Crime Stoppers first began in
Albuquerque, New Mexico in July 1976. That month, Michael Carmen was fatally shot whilst working the night shift at a local gas station. After two weeks, the police had not been able to gather any information about the murder.
Detective Greg MacAleese approached the local television station to request they film a reconstruction of the crime. When the re-enactment was aired, the police department offered
US$1,000.00 for any information that could potentially lead to the arrest of the perpetrator. Within 72 hours, a male called in identifying a car which he had seen leaving the scene at high speed; he had noted its registration. The person calling said that he did not want to get involved; therefore, he had not called earlier. Detective MacAleese realized that fear and apathy often prevented the public from getting involved in investigations. He helped design a system by which the public could anonymously provide details of the events. This system focused on stimulating community involvement and participation, and took advantage of electronic media to publicize unsolved crimes. The police offered cash rewards for information leading to an arrest or conviction. Since the first chapter was officially formed in Albuquerque in 1976, Crime Stoppers in the United States has been responsible for more than a million arrests and more than US$11 billion in recovered property.
Land Rover Tangi with the Crimestoppers number featured. Crime Stoppers has since spread to
Australia,
Canada and the
United Kingdom. While the individual programs are local or regional in nature, mostly run by non-profit groups or directly by police, various national and international umbrella organizations exist. The
toll-free telephone number +1-800-222-TIPS is used to reach various different Crime Stoppers groups in Canada and the U.S., although some groups publish their own numbers. In the UK, the Crime Stoppers number is 0800 555 111, and in Ireland it is 1800 25 00 25. In
Northern Ireland, the Crime Stoppers number often features predominantly on the force's vehicles, including its notable
Land Rover Tangis. == See also ==