How it Works

Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between police, media, and the general community to provide information on crime and criminals.

Phone Calls

Calls are received at the local Crime Stoppers tips line phone. This phone is a stand alone instrument which does not provide caller ID, and conversations are not recorded. The Crime Stoppers Coordinator, after receiving the information, completes the tips information form, makes initial inquiries, then sends the information to the correct police unit. Calls are accepted for any crime or criminal the caller has knowledge of.

By guaranteeing a caller's anonymity, Crime Stoppers allows the caller to give information without bias or fear of retribution. By offering cash rewards for information leading to felony arrests, the program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.

Online/Mobile App Tips

Tipsters now have the option of sending us tips online or through our mobile P3 Tips app. The process is completely secure and anonymous; it is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating with us. A benefit to using our online or mobile app tip form is the option to complete a form in 21 different languages. Our WebTip and mobile app process is powered by the world's leading online tip solution provider, Anderson Software.

The integrated Two-Way Dialog capabilities allow the tipster to provide additional information to their tip after submission at any time while also providing a secure means for the coordinator to ask questions or provide reward information back to the tipster.

Structure and Funding of Crime Stoppers

Crime Stopper Programs are organized as a not for profit organization (Charity). A civilian, community board of directors provides guidance over the financial and promotional activities of the program. The board of directors enhances community involvement; its function is vital to the success of the program.

The Crime Stoppers program is funded by private donations and fundraising. The reward money paid out by the program is from the fundraising and donations provided by concerned citizens and businesses.

The community board of directors meets regularly to discuss Crime Stopper-related news and events, evaluate arrests, and decide on the amount of rewards to be paid. Rewards are then distributed in a private manner to the callers. Callers are eligible for rewards up to $1,000. However, many callers choose not to collect their rewards.

Does Crime Stoppers Work?

The answer is yes. Since the start of Crime Stoppers, the calls we receive have resulted in thousands of arrests, as well as recovery of a substantial amount of weapons, stolen goods, and drugs. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drugs, and firearm offenses.

The success and benefits of a Crime Stoppers program are not solely its crime-solving abilities, Crime Stoppers also encourages:

A greater awareness in the community about the crime problem.
A willingness by the community to fight back against crime when given a safe opportunity.
Improved relationships between police, press, and the public.

Crime Stoppers is here to stay. It has been accepted by police as a valid and effective investigative tool. Our communities, through its overwhelming response, have accepted us a more safe and accessible alternative to traditional means of getting information to law enforcement.