Crime Solvers 101

2015 -For Our Citizens

Why Crime Solvers?

Crime Solvers operates on the premise that someone other than the criminal has information about an unsolved crime.

Two main problems which prevent law enforcement from obtaining this information. – Fear– Apathy

Why Crime Solvers?

The Mission is to provide an anonymous means to the public for reporting information to the police about crime.

Anonymous tips can be taken in three ways:– Telephone Hotline (804-748-0660)– Website (www.crimesolvers.net)– Text-A-Tip (text WATSON + tip to 274637)

Tips are assigned code numbers to protect tipsters ID

Web Tips

crimesolvers.net

User must create their OWN password

Text-A-Tip

We can take tips by text message!

Tipsters will type the 6-digit code WATSON or TIP699 and their message, then send it to 274637 (which spells CRIMES on a keypad with letters)

This allows an anonymous, two-way dialog with the tipster, as long as the caller does not text the word "stop"

Why Crime Solvers?

Fear?– Crime Solvers offers anonymity to tipsters who provide

information on unsolved crimes.– Unless the tipster tells someone, no one will know.

Apathy?– A strong Crime Solvers program should worry criminals– Crime Solvers pays cash rewards (up to $1,000) for this

information, when it helps solve an unsolved crime or capture a fugitive

Are you REALLY anonymous?

….REALLY anonymous?......

§ 2.2-3706 Disclosure of criminal records; limitations– A. as used in this section: “Criminal incident information”

means a general description of the criminal activity reported, the date and general location the alleged crime was committed, the identity of the investigating officer, and a general description of any injuries suffered or property damaged or stolen.

– E. The identity of any individual providing information about a crime or criminal activity under a promise of anonymity shall not be disclosed.

Who Makes This Work?

Civilians Chesterfield County/Colonial Heights Crime Solvers, Inc. The civilian members are charged with providing

administrative oversight for Crime Solvers– Fundraising– Marketing– Public presentations

– Currently 26 civilian Board of Directors members

Tipsters $$$ Doners

Who Makes This Work?

The Police Police Coordinators … COORDINATE

– Crime/Fugitives of the Week releases (Media)– Follow up investigations & training (Law Enforcement)– Tip taking, public speaking, reporting to Board of Directors

(Citizens)

Security and integrity of files Chesterfield has TWO full-time Coordinators And one full-time Admin. Secretary Colonial Heights has an Admin. Sergeant

Who Makes This Work?

Media

TV (Comcast, Verizon & FOX Richmond)

Radio (ALL local stations)

Newspapers (GOTCHA!, Times-Dispatch..)

AT NO CHARGE!!

Internet & Social Media!!

Who Makes This Work?

Scholastic programs

Active Scholastic Clubs in most middle schools and several high schools

– Publicize the program– Help determine rewards

Why?– Creativity– Teaches leadership/ responsibility / civic responsibility– Future of the program– Safer schools

We need your help !

Call or send in TIPS !!Program your phone

Participate in fundraisersgolf, bowling, annual

Allow us to speakCivic groups, neighborhood orgs

VolunteerMarketing, Accounting, Salespeople, Graphics

Our Web Site

Social Networking

Is it working???

Average 50-60 tips per month

Resolve an average of 10-15 crimes per month

(2014 numbers)

How are we doing ?

Tips received 27,275 Crimes Solved 7,189 Property recovered/Assets seized $2,065,007 Illegal drugs confiscated $928,348 CASH Rewards approved $535,431

Statistics as of Dec. 2014

How do you reach us ?

Chesterfield County / Colonial Heights Crime Solvers

P.O. Box 148

Chesterfield, VA 23832

www.crimesolvers.net

Business Office 804-748-1278

Hotline number 804-748-0660

Virginia Crime Stoppers Assoc.– http://vacrimestoppers.net

Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers 780-1000 (Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, New Kent Goochland, Charles City)

– Web tips - www.7801000.com– Text tips – text the code "iTip" plus info to

C-R-I-M-E-S (274637)

Other Local Programs

Petersburg / Dinwiddie 861-1212– Text code “PDCASH”– Webtips: www.pdcrimesolvers.org

Hopewell / Prince George 541-2202 & 733-2777– Text code “iGotcha”– Webtips: www.hpgcrimesolvers.org

Powhatan Crime Solvers 804-403-HELP (4357)

Other Local Programs

Questions ??

Take the timeto solve the crime!