Citizens form the foundation of a local Crime Stoppers program. There are people who serve as volunteer directors on the Crime Stoppers board with responsibility to operate the non-profit corporation, raise funds and approve reward payments when crimes are solved. Members of the public support Crime Stoppers at public events and through other fund-raising activities. And there are others who call Crime Stoppers when they have information that will solve crime.
The Media
Local media outlets have responsibility for promoting Crime Stoppers by publicizing unsolved crimes and assisting with appeals to raise funds for the program. The media also regularly promotes the special Crime Stoppers phone number and Web Tips.
The Police
Appoint a coordinator to operate the Crime Stoppers program on a daily basis. Anonymity to callers is guaranteed, no equipment exists to record or trace the phone calls or Web Tips. Those who call Crime Stoppers receive a code number that allows them to claim a reward once an arrest has been made. The police are also required to investigate the various Crime Stoppers tips and report back to the coordinator when a case is solved. The coordinator then reports this information to the Board who makes a decision as to a reward.