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Volunteers Play Vital Role in Crime Stoppers
Did you know that volunteers own the Crime Stoppers program? Did you know that it is because of this 18 member group of volunteers and their dedicated efforts that communities across Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg are safer for everyone? In order to honor the efforts of volunteers across Canada and help celebrate “National Volunteer Week” (April 18 – 24, 2010), Crime Stoppers wants everyone to understand how volunteers are vital to the crime fighting program.
Very often when someone hears the words “Crime Stoppers” they automatically think that the program is a police initiative. This is a common misconception. In reality, Crime Stoppers is a community based, nonprofit organization that is owned and governed by a volunteer board of directors. This board mandates the program’s day to day operations, makes all decisions regarding tipster rewards and is responsible for ALL fundraising to maintain the program.
Even though the volunteers who make up the Crime Stoppers board of directors come from different walks of life and from different geographic locations, they all have one goal in common - safer communities! The group is the backbone of the crime-fighting program and give freely of their time and are commitment to stopping, solving and preventing crime in our neighborhoods.
The other two vital partners leading to the success of Crime Stoppers are the media - who donate space and time to advertise the program, its toll free number & website and unsolved crimes; and the police - who contribute to the program by donating manpower (ie coordinators) and by investigating the tips that come into the program.
It is the combined effort of these three partners that has led to the fantastic success of the local program in Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg. Since inception in 1988, Crime Stoppers of Haldimand, Norfolk and Tillsonburg has assisted the police in the seizure of over $37 million worth of illegal narcotics, the recovery of more than $4.9 million worth of stolen property and the laying of over 5100 charges.
Crime Stoppers gives people an anonymous, confidential way to relay information to investigators without ever having to get involved as a witness. The program’s toll free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) line and www.helpsolvecrime.com webtips line are operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week and cash rewards up to $2000 are offered for information that leads to an arrest or charge. If you want to get involved as a volunteer with Crime Stoppers, contact your local program by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).