Entertaining Public Records
Public records and databases can be a eye-glazer to some, but they are actually quite useful and, at times, entertaining.
The most interesting database I ever worked with was in Atlanta. The City of Atlanta kept…wait for it.. a stripper database…or officially, registered employees of exotic dance clubs. (or something dull like that)
The database contained info on all employees including bouncers, cocktail waitresses, bartenders and dancers.
It included name, address, phone number, height, weight, criminal record and stage name. And to answer your burning question…. the most popular stage name was……Candy!
Alas, Sioux Falls Police Department does not keep such a database, spokesperson Sam Clemens confirmed.
Why in the world would Atlanta keep a stripper database… you may be asking, as Clemens did.
A few reasons, I figure.
1. Make sure there are no underage dancers
2. Strip clubs, especially in Atlanta, tend to be a hot spot for major crimes. The database can help law enforcement look for possible witnesses or ID a criminal. Plus, there are a lot of strippers named Candy and Ebony, so having a list of real names helps.
One of my coworkers took the database and matched it with a college woman’s basketball team roster after receiving a tip. And then, of course, he had to visit the strip clubs to confirm. It was an entertaining expense report for the accountants.
The database was also a great source list for the paper when a major crime happened at a strip club.
While it doesn’t contain stage names, I obtained from the state of South Dakota an interesting database of all auto accidents from 2004 to 2010. By the way, it does contain 15 Candy’s in the database. Just checked.
It has some great information and produced this story on child restraints.
I’m working on a story, using the data, about the driver who had the most crashes during that seven year period. His total will astound you. (And he still has a license and insurance) My bosses tell me it will probably run on Sunday. Check it.
