The premise behind Crime Stoppers is simple: in every case, in every crime, somebody close to the situation or the suspect knows something, although they may be afraid to come forward or get involved.
Crime Stoppers aims to make it easy to share that information. Members of the public can call an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line, callers are never required to testify in court, and they are identified only by a code number. Information leading to an arrest, recovery of stolen property or seizure of illicit drugs may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
That’s the format followed by an estimated 1,700 Crime Stoppers programs established around the world in 32 countries since the program was first developed in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1976.
It has become, said South Simcoe Police Chief Andrew Fletcher, “just another tool in the toolbox” to help police deal with crime in the community.
“It’s so important for people to feel comfortable reporting crime,” Fletcher said, noting that not everyone feels comfortable dealing directly with police or testifying in court.
Back in 1976, Albuquerque police were investigating the late-night shooting of a university student at a gas station – but after six weeks, the investigation had stalled. Police hoped that by partnering with local media to film a recreation of the crime, which aired along with an appeal to the public for assistance, and by offering a $1,000 reward, they could jar something loose.
Within 72 hours, the crime was solved. A key witness called, indicating that he had not come forward earlier because he did not want to get involved.
Since then, the combination of filmed recreations of local crimes, public appeals in the media, the promise of anonymity, and a potential reward have proven to be a powerful tool in fighting crime.
“Any avenue, any means,” said Fletcher, noting that a rash of daytime break-ins in Bradford West Gwillimbury in 2017 was solved in part with help from the public. “A couple of the tips we did receive did help out.”
A partnership between media, police and the public, Crime Stoppers itself is an independent, civilian not-for-profit organization, with a volunteer board. It relies on donations to fund the rewards offered, and on its volunteers to provide outreach.
Police services have input to help determine where attention will be focused. South Simcoe Police Staff Sgt. Steve Wilson is one of officers who liaise with the local Crime Stoppers board, sharing information on local crimes and where public input could help.
“It’s trying to be a little more strategic, in where the focus goes,” said Fletcher.
Crime Stoppers of Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka was launched in 1987. Its website identifies the public as the key to Crime Stoppers’ success: “The community is the backbone of the program because it is through citizens of the community that we obtain the information needed to help solve crimes.” It also relies on local volunteers.
Since its founding, Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka has received approximately 62,293 tips leading to 4,919 arrests and the clearing of 7,139 cases – recovering over $12.78 million in property, and $70.19 million in illicit drugs.
Worldwide, tips to Crime Stoppers have resulted in over 965,000 arrests and the clearing of 1.5 million cases, recovering more than $2.1 billion in stolen property, and nearly $9 billion in illicit drugs –paying out $117,562.94 in rewards.
January is Crime Stoppers Month, and the Crime Stoppers flag will be raised at the BWG Courthouse at 57 Holland St. E. on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
Dave Cockburn has been a volunteer with the South Simcoe committee of Crime Stoppers Simcoe-Dufferin-Muskoka for several years.
He first was introduced to the organization while enrolled in the South Simcoe police citizen’s academy, a program that introduces policing and law enforcement to the general public. “Crime Stoppers was one of the organizations that came in to talk to us, screaming for volunteers,” Cockburn remembered.
Interested, he got involved, and for the past year and a half, has chaired the South Simcoe committee of Crime Stoppers, which has members from both Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
“We’re not the call takers. We’re getting the information out, fundraising, and putting a face to Crime Stoppers,” Cockburn explained.
Both communities are rapidly growing, and experiencing increases in criminal activity – and Crime Stoppers has a role to play, he said.
“We’re getting a lot of people who are new. Not just from Toronto, but new to Canada – and a lot of the countries they (are) from, the police are not their friends,” said Cockburn, who is now a volunteer auxiliary officer with South Simcoe police.
Some newcomers may hesitate to contact police directly, he said, but the Crime Stoppers tip line provides a way to report crime and identify concerns, at arms length from police.
“Even if they’re just concerned about something, they can call,” he said. “It could be something small. It could be the one thing that solves a crime.”
HOW TO CONTACT CRIME STOPPERS:
- Call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
- Visit the website p3tips.com
