Community Roll Call

The Tri-partite Concept -

Public, Police, and Press all working together. Put simply it is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals.

The Phone Call -

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 police or civilian
Coordinator receiving the information completes the tips information form, makes initial inquiries and then passes the information to the investigating officer. Calls are accepted regarding any publicized request for information, such as “Crime of the Week” or such 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.

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 by private donations and fund raising. NO TAX DOLLARS are involved. The reward money paid out by the program is from the fund raising and donations from concerned citizens and businesses. 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 offences.

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.

You Can Help Stop Crime
771-TOSA (8672)
Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers

Recently I spoke to a group of care givers who conduct in home visits. In preparing my presentation it became obvious to me that many of things I planned on pointing out to them can apply to anyone who is moving out and about in public. So below you will be able to find some practices that will help keep you safe as you travel around and conduct your day to day business away from your home.

„« Be alert at all times.
„« Be confident, walk with a purpose and make eye contact with others; this will dissuade most bad guys from considering you as a victim. While interviewing arrested suspects after a crime, they almost always indicated they picked their victim because they looked weak or vulnerable.
„« Advise others of your intended destination, route of travel and anticipated return time.
„« Dress appropriately for the weather as well as the event or activity.
„« Leave jewelry and other valuables at home when appropriate.
„« Leave purse and/or wallet at home. If carrying your purse and/or wallet, empty it of all the credit cards, cash and other items not needed for the event or activity. Carry only the necessary cash, credit cards and identification needed.
„« Never carry your Social Security card on your person unless applying for a job or credit.
„« Always carry a cell phone. Inexpensive ones for just emergency use are available.
„« Only carry the key(s) you need.
„« Carry a Whistle to help summon help when needed in an emergency
„« Quickly remove yourself from dangerous situations, trust your instincts and hunches, call the police when appropriate
„« Travel in pairs or groups whenever possible
„« Survey you surroundings at all times, seeking out escape routes and safe places to run to.
„« Keep your vehicle in good repair
„« Have emergency supplies in your vehicle.
„« Attend as much safety training as possible as well as do your own research on safety practices. It is important to continue to educate yourself in all areas of safety.