I just received a copy of Ron Arons’ new book, “Wanted! U.S. Criminal Records – Sources & Research Methodology.” Ron told me about six months ago that he was authoring and publishing the volume, and I’ve been eagerly anticipating its arrival. The subject is one that I’ve always found interesting, and have often lectured on the topic of “black sheep,” including criminal records in the presentations.
Wanted! covers a variety of criminal record types, principally Prison Records, Court Records, Parole Records, 
Pardon Records, Execution Information, Investigative Reports, and Police Reports. Following methodology information in the front pages of the volume, it is laid out alphabetically by state, with the District of Columbia, and National/Federal Records bringing up the back of the book. Each chapter features repositories where primary documents can be obtained. Physical, web, and email addresses for each repository are listed first, followed by a comprehensive listing of various records available at the repository. Symbols are used for the various record types, making specific record types easy to spot.
Many of the chapters end with fascinating documents from Ron’s own collection, found during a dozen years of researching his own criminal ancestor – and many others.
If you have an interest in the “black sheep” side of your family, this may be just the book for you.
Wanted! U.S. Criminal Records – Sources & Research Methodology; by Ron Arons; 2009; 8.5×11; Soft Cover; 385 pp; ISBN: 978-1-935125-64-8; $49.99 plus $5 postage; Available from: Criminal Research Press, 4012 Whittle Ave., Oakland, CA 94601; www.ronarons.com
FCC Statement: Ron Arons is a friend of mine. The book which I reviewed was a gift from Ron. I happen to like the book…
