Norfolk County Jails Using Playing Cards To Solve Cases

DEDHAM, MA — Norfolk County Sheriff McDermott announced a new plan to try to get new leads in unsolved cases involving wanted suspects, murder victims and missing people. County jails will give inmates playing cards that have pictures of suspects on the Mass. Most Wanted list and pictures of victims in unsolved crimes. McDermott told reporters he hopes the cards give prisoners a way to get information to authorities.

"This is all about trying to bring some justice and closure to some grieving families, so hopefully this works," McDermott said in a press conference. "It's just another tool in the tool book, and if we can bring closure and justice to even one of these families, then it is well worth it."

The images on the cards were chosen after the Norfolk County District Attorney's office reached out to families of victims to let them know about the project. The front of the card has a photograph with information about their disappearance, death or the crime they are accused of committing. The back lists a number for an anonymous tip line that inmates can call.

The decks of "Mass Most Wanted" cards will be the only playing cards allowed in jail, McDermott said.