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CRIME STOPPERS is a citizen-supported program that allows people to report criminal activities anonymously. The Crime Stoppers Coordinator and the Crime Commission Board of Directors determines the amount of awards and ensures payment to those who provide information, and are responsible for raising money to continue their respective programs.
Text-A-Tip Today! Crime Commission recently received funding from State Farm Insurance to fund the addition of text messaging to the Crime Stopper anonymous tip program. The Tulsa Police Department feel that by adding this option more people will be willing to text crime tips - especially teenagers.
With more than 300,000 text messages per minute sent daily nationwide and where most active users are teenagers and young adults, Tulsa County residents, and the surrounding counties are encouraged to use this new option to text crime tips. Tipsters remain completely anonymous, and may earn a cash reward of up to $1000 from Crime Stoppers if their information leads to an arrest. Tips are taken 24-hours a day.
How does Crime Stoppers work?
Anyone with information concerning criminal activity is encouraged to call the following: CRIME STOPPERS number 596 COPS.
When you call with information, you will not be asked your name. You will be given a code number which ensures your identity will remain anonymous. You will be asked to call back after the police have had time to investigate your tip and determine if the information leads to an arrest. You identify yourself only by your code number, and if an arrest is made and charges filed, you may be eligible for a cash reward. Unlike many rewards programs, the CRIME STOPPERS offers cash rewards and anonymity to individuals who provide information about criminal activity that results in an arrest.
Due to the overwhelming success of the Crime Stopper program, the Tulsa Police Department and the Board of Directors of the Crime Commission outsourced the 596-COPS number to a 24/7 answering service which is based in Canada. The team of trained professionals has multi-lingual translators that can help any caller. Once the tips are received they are then sent to the appropriate detective.
The directions to compose a crime tip:
• Text to "TIP918"
• Type your message
• Send text to "CRIMES" or "274637"
• When the text is received, the sender will receive a pin number within 10 seconds or less confirming receipt of the information.
• The tipster will always be instructed to call 9-1-1 if it is an emergency and/or crime in progress they are reporting.
You can also submit a web tip by clicking here: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=471
Does Crime Stoppers work?
The CRIME STOPPERS program began in 1979. CRIME STOPPERS tips have been directly responsible for solving hundreds of felony crimes, recovery of millions of dollars in stolen property, and narcotics. Yes, this program works and here are the figures to prove it:
• Since its inception in 1979, over $400,000 has been awarded for information that resulted in solving more than 4,500 felony cases.
• Recovery of stolen property and narcotics totals over 10,000,000.
• During 2006 6,892 callers provided 1,751 usable tips for detectives. Tipsters were paid over $20,000 in rewards.
• Crime Stoppers’ boasts a 80% arrest rate for fugitives featured in its Most Wanted program.
Save Our Streets Campaign
Our neighborhoods have become an open air drug market for drug dealers and users. Unlawful gang activity is too common place and often times citizens fear retaliation if they call the police. The Crime Commission has teamed up with local police departments, Cherokee Casino Resort and the community to launch a new campaign that will offer cash rewards to people who tip the Crime Stoppers anonymous phone line to gang members carrying guns, dealing drugs or engaging in any illegal activities.
Last year gang related violence in our city represented approximately 28% of all crimes committed. Currently we are experiencing our fourth generation of gang families in this area. Some gang members are born into the gang life, others join by free will, and a number are recruited or "jumped in." (beaten until they join, sexed in, drugged in).
The gang situation in the Tulsa area began over 60 years ago and has continued to grow in spite of the best law enforcement efforts. We now have over 3,700 known gang members and gang associates in the area making up approximately 520 gangs, sets or cliques. These individuals have been involved in illegal drug trafficking, murder, shooting with intent to kill, assault with a deadly weapon, pointing a deadly weapon, and using vehicles to facilitate shootings.
The campaign will allow anonymous tipsters to call the CRIME STOPPERS tip line to report gang members with guns or who are engaged in illegal activities. Tipsters can receive increased cash rewards if the information leads to the arrest of a gang member. Anyone with information concerning criminal activity is encouraged to call CRIME STOPPERS number: 596-COPS(2677)
When you call with information, you will not be asked your name. You will be given a code number which ensures your identity will remain anonymous.
WHERE DOES CRIME STOPPERS RECEIVE THEIR FUNDING?
From YOU, the responsible law-abiding citizen. Without YOUR donation, the CRIME STOPPERS PROGRAM would cease to exist. All contributions are tax deductible. Any donation however large or small is greatly appreciated. There isn’t any governmental tax dollars received for these programs
The Crime Commission is a 501(c)3 corporation formed in 1971. It is not a government or United Way agency. Its programs are planned and directed by 25 active board members, a full time executive director, program manager and a number of local volunteers.
Crime Stoppers publicizes the details of an unsolved crime each week through the local news media in order to generate information about a crime for which the police no longer have leads. Murder, rape, robbery, burglary, assault, auto theft, arson and narcotics cases comprise the felony case solutions credited to Crime Stoppers.