Wrong Way To Turn Yourself In to the Police Department
So how would you decide to turn yourself in to the police?
- Run?
- Hide?
- Go on social media and start talking with your local police department?
OK, so the police want you. They really, really want you. You’re literally listed as one of their most “Wanted Criminals.”
If you’re Anthony Akers of Richland, Washington, you’d choose the social media one.
The Richland Police Department posted a photo of Akers asking for tips on his whereabouts.
Because Anthony is a dumb criminal, he responded to the post:
“Calm down, I’m going to turn myself in.”
The Richland Police Department decided to play along and kept the conversation going on their social media page when he hadn’t turned himself in yet:
“Hey, Anthony! We haven’t seen you yet.”
Akers kept the party alive:
“Tying up a couple of loose ends since I will probably be there for a month. Should be there in the next 48 hours.”
At some point during all the absurdity (oh, yes, there’s more), the PD asked, “Is it us?” Akers, who apparently had plenty of time to himself, since he was still not in jail yet, wrote:
“Dear RPD, it’s not you, it’s me. I obviously have commitment issues. I apologize for standing you up, but let me make it up to you. I will be there no later then lunchtime tomorrow, I know you have no reason to believe me after what I did to you, but I promise that if I don’t make it on my own by lunchtime tomorrow I will call for a ride to assist me with my commitment issues. Thank you in advance to your response if you are patiently giving me another chance with us, I know I don’t deserve it. P.S. You’re beautiful”
Thankfully, the last chapter of this book ends with Akers taking a selfie and the post “Here for our date sweetheart,” just as he was walking into the police department. God bless social media.
Imagine we’re living in a world now where criminals are relaxed enough to chit-chat with the police, while they’re on the wanted list.
Akers was being sought for “failure to comply,” and it’s unclear what that actually means. What it doesn’t mean is failure to comply with knowing how to use Facebook.
He’s crushing the social media game. Unfortunately, as of press time, he was not live streaming from his jail cell.
Check how this dumb criminal was caught on camera smashing his head into a police door.
What Are the Benefits of Turning Yourself In to the Police
There are several benefits this criminal made by turning himself into the police, besides it being absolutely hilarious. Some of the benefits include:
- He avoided being surprised by the police and made it happen on his terms.
- He will probably get some leniency, possibly a lesser bail amount for taking responsibility for his actions.
- The prosecuting attorney may consider your actions when approached by your lawyer for any kind of deal.
Turn Yourself In the Right Way
Although the way Akers approached turning himself in was so funny, it might have just made the police madder and they could decide to make life a little harder on him when asking for leniency. Here are some steps to ensure a smooth process when turning yourself in:
Contact the Police Department
Call the police department and just ask them when is the best time for me to turn myself in to be processed as quickly as possible. Of course, they may say come right now, but at least ask the right questions to speed the process up and get out on bail.
Find a Bail Bondsman
It wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and contact a bail bondsman ahead of time to get familiar with the process before you turn yourself in. The cost of your bond will be determined by several factors including:
- Are you a flight risk, meaning are you going to skip town?
- Are you a danger to society?
- How serious was the crime you committed?
Things to Remember
Regardless if you’re turning yourself in or you’ve been arrested for something else. You don’t have to answer the police questions once you’ve been arrested. You have the right to remain silent is one of the first things they tell you. If you can’t afford a lawyer, one will be appointed to you. That’s your clue, talk to a lawyer.
