CrimeStoppers procedures strictly
guide awards for tips solving felonies

Sometimes a criminal case will hit a nerve with the public and in the push for justice money is raised for additional awards in the hope of an arrest.             

CrimeStoppers steps in in such cases to accept donations and to make the award if due. However, there can be misunderstandings about the CrimeStoppers awards - the official amounts, and when or how the awards can be paid. Periodically we explain those policies.


"It is important for the public - and I include public officials here - to understand our procedures," said E. Winslow (Buddy) Chapman, executive director. Erroneous information in the public arena can lead to all kinds of problems."
            
Since our founding in 1981, CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County has done business under the following strict guidelines and procedures:

* CrimeStoppers pays cash awards for successful citizen tips leading to arrests on felony (not misdemeanor) crimes.

* All persons who provide an anonymous tip to CrimeStoppers remain unidentified by us at all times. Tips currently can be received by phone, secure web form or cell phone app.

* Information received is passed to investigators at the Memphis Police Dept., or the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, or other law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction.

* The first tipster - earliest tip received - who provides information that leads to an arrest is eligible for an award.

Eyewitnesses and/or victims of a crime are not eligible for an award.

* Typical award amounts, on a scale for crime types, up to $1,000 can be approved for payment.

* Awards are determined by the CrimeStoppers volunteer board of directors and decisions are final.

* If contributions are received and banked by CrimeStoppers, additional award amounts can be made above $1,000 in special cases.

* CrimeStoppers is not responsible for award pledges or promises from other individuals or organizations, and they may not use 528-CASH without our permission.

Only special award amounts officially declared by CrimeStoppers can be paid out by CrimeStoppers for successful tips.
            
"These guidelines have helped us grow over the years and made it possible for us to help solve more than one crime a day," Chapman said.
            
He also reminds people often that  CrimeStoppers is an independent, nonprofit organization that does not operate on tax dollars, and instead relies on community donations.


To read Buddy Chapman's recent guest column on this subject in The Commercial Appeal  click here
 


Campaign for Laylah hits
digital board throughout city

Billboard for Laylah

The Memphis office of billboard ad company Lamar Advertising has donated several digital boards to the campaign to bring justice to the family of little Laylah Washington, 2, who was killed in a volley of bullets from a car in June.
 
The special CrimeStoppers award for information leading to an arrest has not topped $20,000, thanks to several big donations, plus small gifts from many in the community. Go here to see the latest award amount.

Tips can be sent to CrimeStoppers by secure email or text, or via the usual phone call to 528-CASH (2274). For details, visit here.  


Help spread the word

If you like - we hope you do! - you can help the cause against the metal thieves by liking our new CopperStoppers Facebook page. And tell your friends, co-workers and acquaintances.

While you're at it, let them know about the main CrimeStoppers Facebook page too.


SEPTEMBER
2017
Shop via Amazon
Smile,  fight crime

CrimeStoppers participates in the AmazonSmile program. Any eligible item purchased from Amazon will benefit our organization.
            
Here is the link to use, to bookmark and to send to friends:
            
With this program, 0.5% of a purchase price becomes a donation to CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County.
 

 
Websites building 
new awareness

CrimeStoppers and its many programs are explained - and the public is engaged - in various places on the internet.
 
Our main website explains the organization's purpose, and keeps count on major cases in which police need help from citizens -  crimestopmem.org. 
 
A companion site helps students keep their schools safer -
Senior citizens who are afraid or otherwise need help can find information they can use at another site - seniorbsafe.org.
 
Spanish-speaking citizens can learn about CrimeStoppers on a fourth site -
 
Now, because the theft of copper and other metals has become a major problem in the metro area we have launched a website for our newest program, CopperStoppers:
copperstoppersmemphis.com