Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers was established in the area of Sault Ste. Marie around the 1990s.  A presentation was given to the Lake Superior Elders on March 13, 2013. Joe Shier, a police officer from St. Ignace, was involved in Crime Stoppers since its inception.  During the 1980s a detective decided when working on a homicide that there needed to be a mechanism to secure leads to help solve crimes and the people giving the tips could be paid for these tips. This program is aimed at reducing crime in our neighborhoods.  It empowers people to make their neighborhoods, schools, and businesses safer through anonymous reporting of crime.  As an incentive, anonymous tipsters can receive a cash reward if there’s an arrest based on their information.  If law enforcement already has a viable suspect, there won’t be an award. 

There were lots of illegal drug tips a while ago, this tapered off, and not these reports are increasing.  Problems with prescription drugs is on the increase.  Pharmacies work with law enforcement to get a handle on this problem.  The elders were instructed to find out when the drop off times are being held to drop off the prescription drugs they are no longer using.  Law enforcement will dispose of the drugs.

The reward amounts can range from $50 to hundreds and possibly thousands.  In most cases rewards are paid out within two weeks. In order to collect your reward, you call the Tip Line or Submit a Tip on line and you receive a code number, only if your tip leads to solving the crime, confiscation of drugs or weapons, you will receive an award.  A balance is set up between the citizens and law enforcement so the board representing Crime Stoppers is made up of citizens, non-police residents.  The size of the award is determined by how valuable the tip is. 

Crime Stoppers advertises their services by giving out pens and pencils at public events.  The group holds one major fundraiser a year, the plan is to hold a fire truck pull which may be held in conjunction with the October Fest.  A crime of the week is placed in the local newspaper weekly.  Crime Stoppers is listed in school publications annually and other community publications. 

Why call Crime Stoppers?  If you are concerned about what might happen to you if you talk to the police.  You may be concerned about serving as a witness in court.  There are no personal details shared about you and no caller identification.  Your information can make a difference.  It can help solve existing investigations or bring light to unknown criminal activity. 

What does it mean to be anonymous?

·         You will never be asked your name and your information will not be made public.

·         Your call is not recorded.

·         Your call or online form will not be traced.

·         You will not have to make a statement to the police.

·         You will not appear in court.

Mr. Shier stated that they would rather lose a case then expose the identity of the tipster.  The people at Crime Stoppers do everything to protect the identity of the tipster.

A report will be completed from what you report.  You can reach the call center for Sault Ste. Marie, MI at 1-800-465-7867. This service is provided by staff located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario in Canada.  Both cities work together.   

Many of these organizations scattered throughout Michigan work diligently to protect the elderly.  Senior citizens continue to be widely targeted for various crimes and are the least able to protect themselves.  These programs are geared at helping seniors live their lives with the greatest degree of safety and security.

A new coordinator was hired in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.  This person has been on sick leave and once he’s back things will be back to normal reported one of the Crime Stoppers’ representatives at the presentation.  

Crime Stoppers in this area has provided services as far as Marquette; but normally it is involved in the Luce, Mackinac and Chippewa Counties.  People often report out of civic duty; however, some people are in it for the greed. Many of the awards were never picked up. There is a need for more board members, twelve serve on the board at this time. There are three unfilled positions.  The board meets once a month.  Crime Stoppers have led to many arrests.