Put simply it is a multi-part approach to solving the crime problem. Crime Stoppers relies on the cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals. Here’s how they do it.
#1-The Phone Call
Calls are received via a local Crime Stoppers tips line. This phone is a standalone instrument which does not provide caller identification and conversations are not recorded. The Crime Stoppers program receiving the information completes a tis information form, makes initial inquiries and then passes the information to the investigating law enforcement agency. Calls are accepted regarding any 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 fear of retribution. Offering cash rewards for information leading to arrests further encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.
#2- The Online “WebTip”
Many programs offer Tipsters the option of giving tips online. The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating in today’s world. The Web Tipping process has integrated Two-Way Dialog capabilities allowing tipsters the ability to come back and provide additional information at any time, while providing a secure means for the program coordinator to ask questions or provide reward information back to the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface.
#3-The Text Message Tip (may not apply to all programs)
Tipsters also have the option of sending anonymous crime tips via a text message from the tipster’s cell phone. As with online tips, text message tips are also completely secure and anonymous. Once the text message is sent, the tipster will receive a text message from Crime Stoppers with their confidential code number so they may add additional information to the original tip if necessary. Using the same Two-Way dialog capabilities of online tip reporting, Crime Stoppers will be able to re-contact tipsters via text message regarding their tips. Tipsters simply text the programs keyword plus their tip information to “CRIMES” (274637).
#4 – The Mobile App (may not apply to all programs)
Many Crime Stopper programs now use the most up-to-date, encrypted, mobile reporting system available. Tipsters can send information and engage in Two-Way dialog with Crime Stoppers from their smartphone using our P3 mobile application. P3 Mobile tips are completely secure and anonymous. Tipsters can also anonymously upload photos, videos, and audio files with their tips.
The P3 Tips mobile application is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.