So, I'm finding this an intriguing post but similarly it seems, well not exactly vague but more sort of, difficult to compare the two in the sense that a stranger is still offering it. I would probably have to say jail in comparison to learning how torturous the alternative option was (or maybe I'm just thinking too dark thoughts on that subject).
Although, one of my favorites on this site happens to be about this kinda. Perhaps you might want to take a peek. Let's just say if it was those kinds of cops, I would want to commit a crime to attract their attention XP
http://www.tieupgames.net/viewtopic.php?f=85&t=22525