CRIME STOPPERS SC CALLING ON COMMUNITY FOR SUPPORT

January is Crime Stoppers Awareness month. Crime Stoppers collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as citizens and the media to help solve crimes and keep communities across the state safe.
South Carolina now has 12 Crime Stoppers programs serving 29 of the state’s 46 counties. Crime Stoppers SC is looking to support other communities that wish to participate in the program.

 

What is Crime Stoppers and how does it work?
Crime Stoppers is a community-based nonprofit that allows the public to provide information to law enforcement while remaining anonymous. Tips are submitted in 1 of 3 ways:
1. Mobile Tip – download free P3 Tips app
2. Web Tip – go to P3Tips.com
3. Phone Tip – call local hotline; you can find local numbers on 888CrimeSC.com

 

Each program is governed by a board of directors made up of local volunteers who are passionate about serving their community. “Without the hard work and dedication of local volunteer board members, we wouldn’t be able to support our local law enforcement and media partners in helping solve these crimes – and that includes cold cases,” said Helen Westmoreland, President of the SC Crime Stoppers Council and coordinator of Oconee County Crime Stoppers.

 

How can I start or support a Crime Stoppers program in my community?
Go to 888CrimeSC.com for links to Crime Stoppers programs in SC and more information on how to get involved.

 

When to contact Crime Stoppers?
Anyone with information about a crime, suspicious activity, fugitives or missing persons and wishes to remain anonymous is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. In the event of an emergency, call 911. Crime Stoppers is not a replacement for 911 dispatch and EMS.

 

How can I help support Crime Stoppers?
As a nonprofit, Crime Stoppers relies on donations and fundraising to pay for rewards. The SC Crime Stoppers Council also accepts donations and conducts fundraisers. More information is on 888CrimeSC.com. To date, more than 135k anonymous tips led to over $31 million in drugs, guns, and property seized, with more than $1 million in rewards approved.

 

Is Crime Stoppers anonymous?
All Crime Stoppers programs in SC utilize the web-based tip management service using secure servers. Computer IP addresses are not saved. Locations are not tracked. Phone calls are not recorded. There is no caller ID. The P3 Tips app is not linked to email or phone number. Tips submitted via the web or app are scrubbed of all information that might identify the tipster prior to being disseminated to law enforcement. Tip rewards and pickup instructions are relayed through the same system.

 

Crime Stoppers started in South Carolina when Sumter Crime Stoppers launched its community program in 1979. The SC Crime Stoppers Council was established in 2006 as a nonprofit after the South Carolina Crimestoppers Act became law that year. The Council is a statewide association that brings Crime Stoppers programs together quarterly to further develop and facilitate programs throughout the state. One of the main purposes of the Council is to encourage and assist in the creation of new Crime Stoppers programs with the goal of having a program serving every county.