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Crime Stoppers is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. It relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals. The Phone 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 staff member receiving the information completes the tip information form, makes initial inquiries and then passes the information to the investigating agency. Calls are accepted on any crime 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. Tipsters now have the option of giving us tips online via the WebTip web site. The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating with us in today's world.

The structure and funding of the Crime Stopper Program is organized as a not for profit organization (Charity). A civilian community board of directors provides direction as to the financial and promotional activities of the program. The board of directors enhances the community involvement aspect, and its function is vital to the programs success.

The Crime Stoppers program is funded by private and corporate donations and fund raising events. The reward money paid out by the program is from these funds. Callers are eligible for rewards up to $2,000, but, despite this, many callers choose not to collect their rewards.

Does Crime Stoppers Work? The answer is definitely YES. Since the start of Crime Stoppers, many calls have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of millions of dollars in property and illegal drugs. Calls have included information about armed robbery, assaults, drugs, wildlife and fishing violations 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. The public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.

Further information on Lanark County Crime Stoppers can be found using the index on the left.