Jackson County Times

Top Story News

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Toll Free Number Installed for CrimeSTOPPERS

CrimeSTOPPERS of Jackson County announces the addition of a 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) number for callers to use to avoid paying any local or long distances charges when they call to report a crime. In the past, some callers have had to pay $.35 for a call from some of the outlying areas of the county because we are serviced by three different telephone companies.
In addition, callers from the Alabama and Georgia areas must incur a long distance charge when they call to report a crime from outside Jackson County. CrimeSTOPPERS will keep the old 526-5000 tips line number, and both will ring into the answering center 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most Crime Stoppers organizations have already gone to “800” numbers, with the last few organizations soon to follow. “This addition will help our citizens that want to report criminal activity or report the location of stolen property”, said Don MacLaren, Chairman of the CrimeSTOPPERS Board of Directors.
Crime Stoppers is a citizen based organization that collects anonymous citizen’s tips on criminal activity and stolen property and maintains that confidentiality while getting the tip to law enforcement agencies in a timely fashion. Working closely with law enforcement, CrimeSTOPPERS of Jackson County has, since it’s founding in Jackson County in 1979, provided an avenue for citizens to report crimes without becoming directly involved or having to appear as a witness. This tips call system has “filters” at three levels that block the identity of the caller, hence the level of anonymity and confidentiality. Crime Stoppers organizations are in every State and in many countries around the world. “It’s a solid idea and a good law enforcement tool that works“, said MacLaren. “We have dedicated law enforcement officers in this county, and this is a way for the ordinary citizen to help make Jackson County a better place to live“, MacLaren added.
If you have any information on criminal activity, know where illicit drugs are sold or used, or have information on where stolen property may be, please call the CrimeSTOPPERS Tips line 1-800-222-8477 or 850-526-5000. You do not have to give your name, just your information. You may be eligible for a reward up to $1000.00.

1 comment: