Put simply it is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. CrimeStoppers relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals. Calls are received at CrimeStoppers tips line phone. This phone is a stand alone instrument which does not provide caller ID, and conversations are not recorded. By guaranteeing a caller`s anonymity CrimeStoppers 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.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

How do I remain anonymous? When you call the tip hotline, you will not be asked for your name, where you live, or how you got the tip. The call center does not have call display or electronic recording devices. A "tip number" will be used that corresponds to the crime being reported.

How does the online submission process work?

When you submit a tip through our website, your form is sent using state of the art software through a Secure Socket Connection (SSL). Tips submitted through this website are encrypted, entirely confidential, completely anonymous and are immediately and securely transferred directly to our CrimeStoppers offices. After submitting your tip, you will be provided with your own unique ID number that you will use when checking on the status of your tip or if your tip leads to an arrest it will be used to pick up your reward.

Isn't using E-mail to submit a tip the same as using the online submission form?

Quite simply, the answer is NO. E-mail transmissions are not secure and will not protect your anonymity. Although E-mail transmissions are an effective method of communication, they pass through several servers prior to arriving at their final destination and are subject to possible hijacking, hacking or other forms of malicious attack. To submit a tip online, be sure to use our Report Anonymously link at www.SavannahChathamCrimeStoppers.org

Am I eligible for a reward for information that I've already given to the authorities?

If you have information that will help solve a crime and you want to be eligible for a reward, you MUST call the CrimeStoppers tip hotline first.

Who decides if a reward will be paid?

The Crime Stoppers Board of Directors, made up of volunteers 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 $2,500.

How is the amount of the award determined?

The reward amounts are determined by the CrimeStoppers' Board of Directors at their monthly meeting. The board reviews each reward recommendation based upon the severity of the crime and with input from the law enforcement agency that is investigating the case.

Where does the reward money come from?

CrimeStoppers operates with funds obtained through monies donated and collected at fundraising events.

How long does it take to get a reward?

The entire process, from the time of the arrest until the reward is ready to be picked up, can take up to 90 days.

Does CrimeStoppers Work?

The answer is quite simply yes. The CrimeStoppers programs worldwide have solved over a half a million crimes and recovered over 3 billion dollars worth of stolen property and narcotics. Since the start of CrimeStoppers, 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.

CrimeStoppers 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.

Request additional program information If you would like additional information about the CrimeStoppers program, please e-mail us at info@savannahchathamcrimestoppers.org

Schedule a speaker

If your organization would like to have a CrimeStoppers staff member speak at its next function, please send a request via e-mail to info@savannahchathamcrimestoppers.org

Please include pertinent details about the organization and the function and contact information.