Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crime Stoppers?
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization operated by a volunteer community board of directors. Crime Stoppers encourages the reporting of information or leads which can assist law enforcement with solving crimes. Its goal is to help in the fight against crime but it is not part of the local police or sheriff's department. Generally a law enforcement coordinator participates as an advisor to the board but is a non-voting member. The citizen's board is responsible for operations of the program, fund raising, public relations, and approval of rewards.
Where does Crime Stoppers get the funds to operate and pay rewards?
All funds used by local Crime Stoppers organizations to pay rewards or to cover operating expenses are raised in the local community. Most of the funds raised come through donations from citizens and businesses in the community. Crime Stoppers also uses a variety of fund raising events (golf outings, bake sales, ad sales, etc.) to help raise funds. Volunteers run the program and there are no wage related expenses. When they are available, law enforcement grants are also utilized to assist each program for such needs as a computer purchase or to pay rewards.
How effective is Crime Stoppers?
Crime Stoppers has been very effective in Wisconsin communities. Since 1990 the local Wisconsin Crime Stoppers organizations have accounted for 7,435 arrests solving 7,945 outstanding cases, recovered $2.6 million in stolen property and confiscated $5.3 million in narcotics. $732,000 in rewards was paid to individuals providing information anonymously to solve those cases
Why has the Crime Stoppers program been so successful?
- The program has been successful because it provides cash rewards to overcome apathy and provides anonymity to overcome fear of retribution.
- The program involves the efforts of the public, the media, and law enforcement in a coordinated effort to fight crime. The public operates the program in the form of a board of directors. The media publicizes the Crime Stoppers program and allows it to maintain a high profile in the community. And law enforcement utilizes the information received to solve crimes.
- People want to live in safe communities and willingly use a program that helps fight crime.
Are donations to a Crime Stoppers organization tax deductible?
Donations to the Wisconsin State Crime Stoppers and to all local programs organized as 501c(3) non-profit organizations are tax deductible.
Is there a Crime Stoppers organization in my community or county?
To see if there is a Crime Stoppers organization in your county, look on this website home page under "CS Programs in Wisconsin" and find the program near your home or business.
If information I provide leads to solving a crime, what is the amount of a reward I will receive?
Donations to the Wisconsin State Crime Stoppers and to all local programs organized as 501c(3) non-profit organizations are tax deductible.
Does CSI or CSUSA provide liability coverage for local Crime Stoppers boards?
Neither organization provides liability insurance for its members. Local boards are encouraged to discuss liability insurance with their legal counsel and secure coverage as deemed appropriate.If a local organization has a legal question can they access CSI or CSUSA legal counsel through the state organization?
Only direct members of CSI and CSUSA have access to the legal assistance and other services provided such as training and marketing. Both organizations will try to provide case history information in response to specific legal questions.How Does It Work?
The responsibility for establishing policy, raising funds and for controlling the amount of reward payments rests with a Board of Directors made up of involved citizens. When a call is received by CRIME STOPPERS, it is logged with the date, time, and a brief summary of the callers information. Callers are furnished with a secret code number which is used in subsequent transactions.Callers may remain anonymous, with no pressure to reveal their identity and still collect their rewards.
If a caller's information results in the arrest and the filing of criminal charges against a felony crime offender or the apprehension of a felony fugitive, arrangements will be made so that the caller receives a reward in $CASH$ and anonymity is preserved.
The Board of Directors oversees the program and approves the rewards to be paid, based on information presented by the Police Coordinator.
Crime Stoppers Nationwide
There are over 600 CRIME STOPPERS programs nationwide. Over 77,000 defendants have been convicted as a result of CRIME STOPPERS tips.
Calls to Crime Stoppers have helped solve crimes related to:
- Bank Robberies
- Capture Fugitives
- Burglaries
- Vandalism
- Auto Theft
- Armed Robbery
- Drug Trafficking
- Homicide