Put simply, Crime Stoppers is a three part approach to solving the crime problem in our community.  Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the public to provide information about crime and felony offenders.

The Phone Call

Calls are received at the local Crime Stoppers tips-line phone or the 24/7 Answering Service.  There is no caller ID and conversations are not recorded. The Crime Stoppers Director or Answering Service receiving the information completes the tips information form, makes initial inquiries and then passes the information to the proper investigating agency.  The caller is given a code number at the time of their call.  This is how we know who you are if you want to follow up on your call.

Calls are accepted regarding any publicized request for information, such as "Crime of the Week", Fugitive Flyer 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 fear of repercussion.  The program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information by offering cash rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest and/or indictment. 

The Online WebTip

Tipsters now have the option of submitting tips online. The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient way of safely communicating with Crime Stoppers.  Our WebTip process is powered by the world's leading online tip solution provider, Anderson Software.  

The very unique integrated Two-Way Dialog capabilities allow the tipster to come back and provide additional information to their tip at any time, but also provides a secure means for the Director to ask questions or provide reward information back to the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface.

How Do You Get Paid?

It is your responsibility to call us back to check the status of your code number.  (We do not know your name or phone number).  If you are eligible for a reward, we will let you know when and where to pick up your money.  Again, we use a code number to pay you in CASH $$.   Rewards are distributed in a private manner to the callers.  We use one bank in Midland and we both follow guidelines to ensure your anonymity.

Callers are eligible for rewards up to $1,000.  Despite this, many callers choose not to collect their rewards.

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/or indictments and recovery of substantial amounts of property and seized narcotics. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug and firearm offenses.

What makes a Crime Stoppers program successful?

• 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.  The public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more agreeable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.