Put simply it is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals.

The Phone Call

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 police or civilian Coordinator receiving the information completes the tips information form, makes initial inquiries and then passes the information to the investigating officer. Calls are accepted regarding any publicized request for information, such as "Crime of the Week" or such other crime(s) the caller has knowledge of.

By guaranteeing a caller`s anonymity Crime Stoppers allows the caller to give information in a positive atmosphere without the prospect of retribution. By offering cash rewards for information leading to indictment or arrests, the program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.

NO TAX DOLLARS ARE INVOLVED

The Crime Stoppers program uses private donations, fund raising, and resources from the Florida Attorney General's Crime Stoppers Trust Fund -  money that has been collected as fines by criminals. 

A volunteer board of directors, made up of persons from throughout the community, meets once a month to evaluate arrests and to decide on the size of rewards to be paid - based on the severity of the crime, the criminal record of the suspect, and whether a weapon is used. Rewards are paid in cash; then distributed in a private manner to the callers. Callers are eligible for rewards up to $1,000, but many callers choose not to collect their rewards.

HOW TO CALL IN YOUR TIP

1. Call the TIPS Line at 1-866-718-TIPS (8477)
2. DO NOT GIVE YOUR NAME.  Say that you want to report a tip.
3. Give the information about any criminal activity.
4. You will be given a code number and instructions when to call back to find out about the progress on your tip.  Your code number is your only link to the tips line.  It is your responsibility to remember and protect that code number.
5. If the information results in an arrest, you will be given further instructions on how to pick up your reward.

Does Crime Stoppers Work?

The answer is quite simply yes. Since the start of Crime Stoppers, many calls have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of substantial amounts of property. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug and firearm offenses.

The success of a Crime Stoppers program cannot be purely judged on statistics, however, other benefits have come to notice:

• A greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem.
• A willingness by the community to fight back against crime if it is given the opportunity and motivation.
• Improved relationships between police, media, and the community.

Crime Stoppers is definitely here to stay. It has been accepted by police as a valid and effective investigative tool and the public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.