You see this phrase on many of the news releases 705BLACKFLY.COM posts: Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Near North Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.nearnorthcrimestoppers.com.
January is Crime Stoppers Month. This widely used and effective tool has played a crucial role in fighting crime across Canada.
In August 1976, Greg MacAleese, a Canadian born police officer in Albuquerque, New Mexico was investigating a robbery/murder at a local gas bar. The area where the crime occurred was a very well traveled part of the city, yet no one came forward with information on this crime.
McAleese determined that there were two reasons for the public’s lack of confidence in their police department. First, citizens were genuinely apathetic. Second, fear of criminal retaliation. Many citizens in Alburquerque believed that if they did come forward with information that they would be the criminal’s next victim.
MacAleese determined that this case could be solved and approached his chief of police, local businesses and the media with an idea. To overcome apathy, a cash reward was offered as an incentive for anyone with information to call police. To overcome fear of criminal retaliation they offered callers complete anonymity. A local television station agreed to re-enact this crime. The re-enactment aired at approximately 10:45 p.m. during their newscast. By 8:00 a.m. the next morning, the crime was solved. Today, there are more that 1,800 programs worldwide utilizing the same principles.
There are 37 Crime Stoppers boards in Ontario. The Near North Crime Stoppers program, covering the districts of Nippissing and Parry Sound, joined the program in 1988 and describes itself as a partnership between the community, the media and law enforcement. They work with liaisons like the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ontario Provincial Police and other local police services, and even the Canadian military.
Crime Stoppers is a not-for-profit organization, so they need support from the public. Donations can be made here. You can also help by volunteering on their board. Near North Crime Stoppers is happy to attend community events, so you can contact them through their website.
Check out our audio for our fascinating conversation with Kim Jones, Executive Director of Near North Crime Stoppers about how the program works behind the scenes to maintain the anonymity of public tips.
