programs
Crime touches all lives, directly or indirectly. Crime Stoppers, which began in 1976, is a successful non-profit community-based organization which combines the cooperative efforts of the community, the media, and law enforcement in the fight against crime. Guaranteeing anonymity and a cash reward, Crime Stoppers encourages the public to call with information that leads to the arrest of persons committing crimes.
Because crime can leave a profound mark on our youth, school safety has become an emotional issue that has shot to the forefront of national and local public sentiment.
Following the success and design of community programs, the first student Crime Stoppers program was started in a Boulder, CO high school in 1983. Now, over 2000 programs exist in middle and high schools, community colleges and colleges throughout the nation.
The existence of Crime Stoppers does not indicate that a school has a crime or drug problem, but teaches a proactive not reactive approach to administrators, students, parents, and the community by publicizing a safer school environment. Often utilized within the curriculum to teach character development, the program promotes school spirit and pride, and a positive campus image to students. Indirectly, schools may experience a reduced risk of lawsuits and put a check on insurance costs. In addition to being a way students can safely report school crimes anonymously without fear of retaliation, this program encourages the development of responsibility. Students can participate in a valuable extracurricular activity, while they benefit from a reduction in incidents on campus and enjoy an increased sense of security.
Although students do not come into contact with victims or persons committing crimes, student boards are appointed to promote the program, review information about crimes and determine what type of rewards will be given. A variety of crimes can be committed on a school campus, such as vandalism, theft, graffiti, bomb threats, excessive bullying, arson, and presentation of drugs and weapons. Depending on the severity of the crime, rewards for tips can range from $100-$200 for drugs or weapons on campus, or be passes to school activities, movies or parks, free school items, and various gift certificates for lesser crimes and for younger students. There are those who advocate that paying rewards could promote students to become “snitches” or invent crimes as revenge against other students, however crimes are carefully investigated and only a small percent of students ever collect the rewards.
All things considered, we would rather have an anonymous good student citizen, who can safely report crime solving or crime preventing information, than a grieving school and community following a violent tragedy on campus that could have been prevented had there been a Crime Stoppers program in place.
Crime Stoppers USA, Inc.
For more information on starting a Crime Stoppers program in your school or community, contact us at: 4info@crimestopusa.com.
Membership benefits of Crime Stoppers USA will include but not be limited to:
- Affiliate membership of Crime Stoppers International.
- Guidance of Richard Carter, Crime Stoppers USA, Director of Legal Services.
- Ability to purchase liability insurance at a substantially reduced rate which is available only to Crime Stoppers USA member programs and have access to other types of insurance, including Directors & Officers policies, at reduced rates to meet your program’s needs.
- Access to the new Crime Stoppers USA web site members only area and the on-line directory for networking with other programs; access to web training for new board members and coordinators, resource development ideas, promotional ideas, and the new electronic newsletter.
- Inclusion in the list of accredited Crime Stoppers USA member programs on the Crime Stoppers USA and CSI web sites.
- Personal emails to your program when new issues arise.
- Inclusion in national strategies such as promotional, fundraising, regional training and legislative initiatives.
- Personal contact from a Regional Director elected or appointed in your area.
Ability to address telecommunication issues such as cost, receipt of unwanted and missed calls, participate in the nationwide 800 number project which now covers approximately 76 million people in over twenty two states across the nation. - Voting on Crime Stoppers USA issues and elections.
We look forward to your Crime Stoppers program becoming a part of your national organization to promote the success of Crime Stoppers throughout the United States. We appreciate your membership and your participation.
Member Program Application
Click the link provided below to apply for membership today!
Crime Stoppers USA Online Member Resources
The following online resources are also available to members after logging in:
Member Profile – Change Password, Create Photo Album, Email Subscription, and more.
Discussion Forums – These discussion forums are where you can communicate with others on topics of of interest. Take advantage of this opportunity share your experiences and knowledge with your fellow Crime Stoppers. (Legal Issues, Not-for-profit Accounting, Fund Development & Fund Raising, Board Development)
Resource Library – The resource library is where samples of your work can be posted and shared with other CSUSA members. (Bylaws, Operating Procedures, Job Descriptions, Articles of Incorporation, Campus Crime Stoppers Documents, News Releases, Wanted Posters, Billboards, PowerPoint Presentations)
CSUSA Board Meetings
and Much More!
Crime Stoppers programs are started by concerned citizens who want to help their communities fight the war on crime. Each program is independent and operates under its own bylaws and Board of Directors. Board members come from all segments of the community and donate their time and talents for one common goal – to make the program a success by assisting law enforcement in reducing crime.
Crime Stoppers USA, Inc. can assist in all phases of startup and operation of your program. We will help you develop all aspects of the organization which include providing guidelines for selecting your board of directors, establishing bylaws, determining standard operating procedures, identifying media partners, providing training opportunities, and providing legal guidance for the success of your program.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON STARTING A LOCAL CRIME STOPPERS PROGRAM OR SCHOOL PROGRAM IN YOUR AREA, PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW, AND A CRIME STOPPERS USA REPRESENTATIVE WILL CONTACT YOU AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
