Put simply it is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between law enforcement, the media, and the community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals.

The Phone Call
Calls are received at our local Crime Stoppers tips line phone. This phone is a stand alone instrument which does not provide caller ID and conversations are not recorded. Our Crime Stoppers call center receives the information and completes the tip information form and submits the information to the program's law enforcement coordinator in Columbia County.  Calls are accepted regarding any publicized request for information or any 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 prospect of retribution. By offering cash rewards for information leading to indictment or arrests, the program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.

The Web Tip
Tipsters also have the option of giving us tips through our website. The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating with us. 

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 coordinator to ask questions or provide reward information back to the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface.

Tap the App
Tipsters can also submit information using the P3 Tips mobile application. Like the web tip, mobile tips are completely secure and anonymous. When a tip is submitted by using the app, the tipster will receive a confidential code number that they can use to add additional information to their original tip. The app allows for secure uploads of video, photos and audio files with their tips.

The app uses the same Two-Way Dialog capabilities as the web tip, which allows the coordinator to communicate with the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface. The free P3 Tips app is available for Android and iPhone devices.  

Structure and Funding of Crime Stoppers
Crime Stopper Programs are 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 partly with a $20 fine that is imposed for criminal offenses assessed in Columbia County. These funds are awarded to our program through the Crime Stoppers Trust Fund. NO TAX DOLLARS are involved. Additional funding is generating through fundraising efforts and donations from local businesses, civic organizations and concerned citizens.

A community board of directors, made up of persons from throughout the area, meets on a monthly basis to evaluate arrests and to decide on the size of rewards to be paid, up to $1,000. Rewards are then distributed in a private manner to the callers. Callers are eligible for rewards up to $1,000, but, 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 recovery of substantial amounts of property. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug 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 and the public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.