Wise County Sheriff's Department
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July 23, 2008  

WISE EYES WORKS

On July 10, 2008, the Wise County Sheriff’s Department sent out a WISE EYES press release asking for the citizens help concerning credit card theft in the Alvord area.  Included in the release were surveillance photographs taken at the crime scene.  The press release was sent to approximately 3000 people, to the local newspapers, and television stations.  The story was aired on local television during their evening newscast on that same day, while the local newspapers included the story in their next edition.  Investigator Mike Neagle was named as the contact person should anyone have any information about the case. 

 On July 17, 2008 William Jason Odell, W/M, DOB 09/27/1977, of Alvord came into the Wise County Sheriff’s Department to visit with Investigator Neagle.  Odell started off the conversation by showing Investigator Neagle a copy of the Wise County Messenger, which published the photographs and story on the credit card abuse.  The man told Neagle that he was here to turn himself in, that was his picture in the paper.  Odell gave Investigator Neagle a written confession detailing his involvement in the theft.     

The Wise Eyes Program is a beneficial part of the community in that it is a resource assisting many different areas. Wise Eyes has grown over the past several years, well over 100% here in Wise County alone.  Wise Eyes has been adopted by numerous counties here in Texas, as well as 7 additional states.  As the program is becoming more popular, with success stories like this, Wise Eyes will be an international crime prevention program. When you get everyone involved by utilizing neighborhood crime watch groups, local newspapers, television and radio, the percentage for success dramatically increases. The Wise Eyes Program does work, and this is just one of many cases that can be linked to citizen and media contribution where results can be attributed.  As former Sheriff Ryan stated so many times over, “Evil does good, when good does nothing.”  Everyone working together will help all stay “Safe and Sound” here in Wise County.