Wis. deputies use billboards to find wanted people

OSHKOSH, WI (AP) — Law enforcement officials in Winnebago County are turning to billboards as a way to track down people who have outstanding arrest warrants.

An Oshkosh Northwestern Media report says the ads will feature local residents with recent warrants.

Sheriff’s Lt. Lara Vendola-Messer says the department has hundreds of open warrants at any time. She says the department hopes the three billboards will help reach more people.

The digital billboards are along Highway 41 between Oshkosh and Neenah. They’ll display six individuals, whose details and mugshots will rotate among other ads shown on the billboards.

The ad space is being donated by Lamar Advertising. Vendola-Messer says the ad company has entered into similar partnerships elsewhere in Wisconsin that have had successful results.