The Michigan State Police is making use of the Internet to provide easy access to information about Michigan’s most-wanted criminals, a move that could prove beneficial to the capture of these individuals.

The most-wanted list Web site will list the names of up to 30 of Michigan’s most-wanted criminals, as well as physical traits and descriptions of their accused crimes.

The information this site provides can help regular people take valuable precautions and enable them to report tips to help police with their efforts.

Michigan police already publish a list of known sex offenders online. The most-wanted list should certainly draw less negative press than the sex offenders list - since it posts people being sought by police instead of those already punished and released.

The Internet is the easiest way for law enforcement agencies to communicate among each other, allowing them to transmit information on criminals that broke out of jail or skipped out of town while on parole.

And the information will be at the fingertips of anyone who wants to use it. It will create a forum of knowledge for Neighborhood Watch programs or parents that are concerned for their children’s safety.

The more accessible police make these Web sites the better life can be for their communities. The most-wanted list Web site is yet another useful tool for local and state law enforcement. It will keep the public aware of threats and allow them to take necessary precautions and keep a watchful eye.