Crime and Crooks

This month celebrates the end of Bonnie and Clyde's violent rampage at the hands of the FBI 74 years ago. Guess how they were lured into the FBI's snare? If you think a snitch had something to do with it, you're exactly right. Snitches are beautiful creatures that respond so well to that selfish tendency to look out for number one. A smaller variety of snitch simply kicks into survival mode when faced with no alternative. Whatever the motive, I love snitches.

Well, let me clarify that. I love snitches that augment criminal investigations; the girl who times your lunch and tattles to the boss when you're five minutes late...not too much love for her.

Anyway, you can read about Bonnie and Clyde's adventures if you like, but I'm most interested in the snitching part. The two the FBI calls America's most notorious crime couple associated with the Methvin family of Louisiana. After a bit of convincing, the Methvins decided to join the good guys and help catch Bonnie and Clyde.

On May 23, 1934, officers hid in the bushes along a dirt road near Gibsland, Louisiana. Around nine a.m., Bonnie and Clyde drove up in their tan Ford. They slowed at the sight of their family friend, Ivy Methvin standing next to his truck that appeared broken down. Seconds later, Ivy jumped aside and the officers opened fire, killing Bonnie and Clyde instantly. Bravo, Mr. Methvin!

Law enforcement uses snitches in almost every type of investigation you can think of. Sometimes, informants are paid while others broker better sentencing deals for themselves, or complete immunity occasionally. Of course snitching is dangerous and provisions are in place to protect the informant as best as possible. Snitching is a death sentence on the streets, as you can imagine.

Still, people are willing and crooks know this. It makes for a healthy dose of paranoia on the dark side.