What is Crime Stoppers
What is Crime Stoppers?
Local Crime Stoppers programs are non-profit organizations lead by citizens against crime. Some Crime Stoppers programs offer cash rewards to persons providing anonymous information that leads to the felony arrest of criminals and fugitives. Information is received through a secure tips line. Each caller is assigned a code number for the purpose of insuring anonymity.
Why Do We Need Crime Stoppers?
Crime Stoppers is based on the principal that someone other than the criminal has information that can solve a crime and was created to combat the three major problems faced by law enforcement in generating that information:
- Fear of Reprisal
- An attitude of Apathy
- Reluctance to get Involved
Crime Stoppers resolves these problems by:
- Offering Anonymity to people who provide information about crimes.
- Paying Rewards when the information supplied leads to arrest.
Three Essential Elements That Make Up a Crime Stoppers Program.
Crime Stoppers is a partnership between the Community, the Media and Law Enforcement.
Community
Citizens are responsible for forming a Crime Stoppers non-profit corporation, whose directors establish policy, determine the amount and method of reward payments, work closely with law enforcement, and the medial and generally oversee the program. The directors are also responsible for fund raising, and all volunteer service. The program is supported by the public through tax deductible donations from businesses, corporations, individuals, and service organizations.
Media
Crime Stoppers is publicized on a regular basis by all media outlets including print, broadcast, and web-based partners. Special attention is given to unsolved crime re-enactments, “Crimes of the Week”, cold cases, narcotics activity, wanted fugitives, and gang activity.
Law Enforcement
Local law enforcement agencies receive and process the anonymous tips received through Crime Stoppers, and solve the crimes. If the information leads to an arrest, the caller may be paid up to $5,000 for their information.