NCJ Number
102292
Date Published
1986
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This summary of an evaluation of Crime Stoppers -- programs offering cash awards and anonymity to persons providing information that leads to the arrest or indictment of suspected criminals -concludes that while such programs are effective in solving certain felony cases, they are unlikely to substantially reduce crime in most communities.
Abstract
Information sources for the national evaluation included more than 600 telephone interviews, surveys of law enforcement officers, private citizens, and media professionals involved in Crime Stoppers, and site visits to selected programs. The report examines the organization of a typical Crime Stoppers program, the public's attitudes and perceptions, and the impact on citizen participation. It notes that the program is considered effective in solving 'dead-end' cases where traditional police methods and reasonable amounts of law enforcement resources have not worked. Evaluation results suggest that program involvement is concentrated in two groups: the business community who provides financial support, and criminals and their associates who provide most of the anonymous tips. The evaluation discusses indicators of program success, such as the coordinator's level of effort and job satisfaction, methods of screening tipsters' information, and location of the program within the police department. Recommendations for program improvement address recordkeeping, legal issues, training, and leadership. Tables and graphs.