Police call for changes in crime hot line

Local Crime Stoppers may implement tips for cash plan at schools

By Jim Collar
of the Northwestern

Authorities countywide are pushing to increase the community’s role in local policing.

Winnebago County Crime Stoppers is beginning to revamp its program with hopes of increasing usage of the crime tip line. The program allows citizens to anonymously give police information on crimes. Callers are assigned identification numbers and are often eligible for cash rewards.

The phone line is a valuable law enforcement tool, but only if people use it, said Steve Herman, crime prevention officer for the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department.

“Unfortunately, we don’t know about all the crimes that happen,” Herman said. “That’s where citizens can help us. The ability to remain anonymous is the great part about Crime Stoppers because people often fear retribution or don’t want to go through the process of a police report.”

Soon, residents who witness crimes or have information on criminal activity will have more options.

The local Crime Stoppers program is developing an online component where citizens can make crime tips via a secure Internet connection.

The program also is spreading to local schools through the “Quick 50” program.

Students who report drugs, alcohol and other crimes at their school to the tip line or to police liaison officers will make $50 on the spot if their information is accurate.

Accessibility only is one step in the Crime Stoppers planning. Marketing will become another focus.

The sheriff’s department is displaying the Crime Stoppers telephone number on the bumpers of its squad cars. Posters and advertisements also will begin to circulate more frequently.

The program is operated through a citizens’ advisory board that monitors the program and sets rewards for information received. Rewards locally range up to $1,000 depending on the severity of the crime and the value of the information.

While some aspects of the Crime Stoppers program are changing, officers said the goals and mission of the program remain the same. It’s an opportunity for people to help out police. Those who have information on crimes can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 621-2274.

The premise behind the changes is simple, Herman said.

IF YOU HAVE A TIP PLEASE CALL 1(800)621-CASH (2274)

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