How the Program Works

The approach to solving crime is like a tripod.   Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals.

The Phone Call

Calls are received through the Crime Stoppers tips hot line, 664-STOP (7867) available 24 /7.  There is no caller ID and conversations are not recorded.  When the information is completed you will be given a special code.   The Crime Stoppers Police Coordinator then passes the information to an investigating officer.  Calls are accepted regarding any publicized request for information, such as “Crime of the Week” or such other crime (s) of which the caller has knowledge.

Guaranteeing a caller’s anonymity allows the caller to give Crime Stoppers information in a positive manner without the prospect of retribution.  Offering cash rewards for information leading to indictments or arrests, encourages reluctant callers to provide information.

The Online Web Tip

Tipsters now have the option to send tips online.  The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating with Crime Stoppers in today’s world.  Our Web Tip process is powered by the world’s leading online tip solution provider, Anderson Softword.

The very unique integrated Two-Way Dialog allows the tipster to come back and provide additional information to his or her tip at any time. It also provides a secure means for the coordinator to ask questions or provide reward information back to the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface.

Structure and Funding of Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers Programs are organized as 501- C3 non-profit organizations.  A civilian volunteer Board of Directors administers direction as to the financial and promotional activities of the program.  The Board of Directors enhances the community involvement aspect and its function is vital to the success of the program.

The program is funded through private donations, fund raising, and grants.  No tax dollars are involved.  The reward money paid by the program is from court probation fees, fund raising, and donations.

The Board of Directors is comprised of citizens representing Brooks, Duval, and Jim Wells counties.  Business meetings are held monthly to conduct general business and evaluate arrests and determine the amount of the rewards to be paid.  Rewards are then distributed in a private manner maintaining anonymity of the tipster.

                    Board of Directors of South Texas, Inc.

Officers and Members

David Flores, Chairperson

                             Vic Casas, Vice Chairperson

 Ofelia Garcia Hunter, Secretary

E. Nyleen Sebastian, Treasurer

Natalie David

Ana Alvarado

Norma Cornejo

Esmeralda Lozano

Olga Ramirez

Sandra Reyna

Police Coordintors

Cpl. Michael Hinojoza, Alice Police Department

Cpl. Margarito Perez, Alice Police Department

Does Crime Stoppers Work?

The answer is quite simply yes. Since the start of Crime Stoppers, many calls have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of substantial amounts of property. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug and firearm offenses.

The success of a Crime Stoppers program cannot be purely judged on statistics, however, other benefits have come to notice:

• A greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem.
• A willingness by the community to fight back against crime if it is given the opportunity and motivation.
• Improved relationships between police, media, and the community.

Crime Stoppers is definitely here to stay. It has been accepted by police as a valid and effective investigative tool and the public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.