What is Crime Stoppers?
Crime Stoppers is one of the most effective law enforcement program to come along in the last twenty-five years. The program is based on the simple principle that for every crime committed, someone other than the criminal has information that would solve it. Crime Stoppers relieves the fear of involvement or retaliation by offering anonymity, and reduces apathy by offering a reward.
How does it work?
Crime Stoppers encourages people to call the police with information to solve crimes already committed, those about to occur and/or the whereabouts of wanted persons. The identity of the informant is never known.
Cash Reward
All persons offering information are eligible for a cash reward, also paid anonymously. The rewards run from $50 to $1,000 depending on the information. Unlike other reward programs which stipulate ‘arrest and conviction’, Crime Stoppers pays upon arrest only. The waiting time for the payout is drastically reduced. The reward is passed on after proper identification by code number, at a pre-arranged location. The police will not be involved unless the informant wishes them to be.
Anonymity Guaranteed
When the informant calls the direct line for Crime Stoppers, they will be assigned a special code number which will identify them in all future dealings. The call will not be traced or recorded. No one will know who the informant is.
How is Crime Stoppers Organized?
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit program relying on co-operation between the police force, news media and the citizens of our community. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors which establishes and administers policies. It raises funds, determines methods and amount of payments and oversees the program.
How is Crime Stoppers Funded?
The reward funds are not tax dollars. Instead, monies are raised from the private sector by members of the Board. Since Crime Stoppers is incorporated as a charitable organization, all donations are tax exempt.
Is Crime Stoppers Successful?
Crime Stoppers Incorporated began in New Mexico in 1976. Today, there are more than 600 programs throughout the United States and Canada. In Canada, Crime Stoppers has helped to solve more than 83,000 cases since 1982 and has recovered in excess of 438 million dollars in property and drugs. More than 52,000 arrests have been made as a result of the program.
Contact Crime Stoppers
To phone Crime Stoppers, call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
“Serving Brockville, Gananoque, Prescott, Kingston and Napanee”