NCJ Number
207972
Date Published
2004
Length
72 pages
Annotation
This report presents evaluation findings for the program: Crime Stoppers Victoria (CSV).
Abstract
CSV was developed in 1987 as a way of involving police, media, and the public in the detection and investigation of crimes. CSV is one of over 1,000 Crime Stoppers programs operating worldwide; CSV describes itself as a “community-based initiative” encouraging the public to provide information about crimes, wanted persons, and people involved in criminal activities. Chapter 1 describes the key features of the CSV program and reviews previous evaluations of Crime Stoppers programs. Chapter 2 describes the activities and operations of CSV, as well as an analysis of the number and content of calls to the CSV program. Chapter 3 describes how CSV information is tracked and how program success is measured. Chapter 4 discusses the importance of keeping the public aware of the CSV program and discusses the pivotal role played by local media; data are offered concerning featured crimes and solved featured crimes. Chapter 5 presents the results of a survey conducted to gauge public perception of the CSV program, including how well the name is recognized and mentioned spontaneously by community members. Chapter 6 presents survey findings on investigator’s views of the CSV program, including their experiences with, and observations of, the program. Chapter 7 offers data on the cost effectiveness of CSV; it balances the costs of running the program with the community benefits from CSV. Finally, chapter 8 presents conclusions on the effectiveness of the CSV program. Overall, CSV was found to be successful in terms of financial viability, public awareness and enthusiasm, support from police, and support from local media. One area targeted for improvement is the number of calls to the CSV hotline, which was considered to be low. Tables, figures, references