PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Crime Stoppers was created by private citizens in September of 1976 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in an effort to provide crime solving assistance to law enforcement by offering cash awards to anonymous persons who telephone in a crime stoppers tips line. The Crime Stoppers program has enjoyed great success, boasting an average conviction rate of 96% on cases solved by a tip to the program.
Features: The crime stoppers program is a charitable organization run by citizens in the community. The program is solely supported by contributions.
Benefits: Crime Stoppers is the most cost-effective way law enforcement can gather information on crime. One phone call has the potential of solving many crimes in any given area.
People: The responsibility for establishing policy, raising funds and controlling the amount and method of award payment rests with a governing board of directors made up of citizens in the community.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

Crime Stoppers is a triad between the community, the media and law enforcement.

     THE COMMUNITY - Citizens are responsible for forming a Crime Stoppers non-profit corporation whose directors establish police contracts, determine the amount and method of award payments, coordinate activities with law enforcement and media, and generally oversee the program. The directors are also responsible for fund-raising and all volunteer service. Tax money is not used in the operation of the program.

     THE MEDIA - Crime Stoppers methods, objectives, successes and phone numbers are publicized on a regular basis by the media. An unsolved Crime of the Week is given special treatment with details published in newspapers, on the radio, and in certain cases, a re-enactment on television.

     LAW ENFORCEMENT - A special Crime Stoppers hot line is manned by the coordinator. Tips are then worked by law enforcement and if the information leads to an arrest, the caller will be paid up to $1,000.00 for their information.

Crime Stoppers is the only Union Parish charity aimed at putting criminals behind bars through an anonymous free phone number (318-368-9679) or (800-828-3979).

Callers with information on crimes are not asked their name. This anonymity is the key to the success, because it provides callers with complete safety from any reprisals.

Crime Stoppers is a service/program provided by the Union Parish Sheriff s Office with support from the local business community and the media.

All information and activities are administered by Sgt Peyton McKinnie.