# Crimestoppers

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crimestoppers/9439>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 30, 2000, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crimestoppers/9439 "2000-03-30T22:35:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Jophiel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jophiel/32/66_2.png) [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\
**Post date:** [March 30, 2000, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crimestoppers/9439/1 "2000-03-30T22:35:00Z")

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I almost feel like a troll for asking, but bear with me:

Since the early 90’s, I’ve seen or heard commercials for “Crimestoppers” which is apparently a project that quite simply offers rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a criminal. The rewards aren’t anything to retire on (“up to $1000”), but if all you’re doing is tipping the cops off on petty breaking and entry or vandalism, it’s still a couple of bucks for something you should be doing anyway.

However, they also state that “you never have to give your name.” So this makes me ask, how does one collect the reward? Obviously they need some way of knowing that you’re the one who turned in Vinnie the Slug, and unless they pay out in cash, they need a name for the check. I almost imagine someone walking into Crimestoppers HQ and hearing:  
“The tides in the ocean sure have turned.”  
“Yes, but the squid fishing has improved.” followed by the passing of a plain envelope. I’m guessing this isn’t the case. Anyone know how this whole setup operates?

* * *

“I guess one person can make a difference, although most of the time they probably shouldn’t.”

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**Author:** ![Alpine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpine/32/17813_2.png) [@Alpine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpine)\
**Post date:** [March 30, 2000, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crimestoppers/9439/2 "2000-03-30T23:22:00Z")

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A simple net search will answer so many questions! Here is the link to the San Francisco [crime stoppers](http://www.bayinsider.com/news/crime/1998/whatis.html):

> [@](#):
>
> How Does a Crime Stoppers Program work?  
> (snip)  
> These leads are given to the Crime Stoppers police coordinator, who in turn passes pertinent information on to appropriate police investigators. Tips that lead to an arrest entitle the caller (identified only by a code number) to a reward of up to $1000, depending on the severity of the crime.

## (Here’s hoping my UBB works)

_Cogita tute_

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Alpine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alpine/32/17813_2.png) [@Alpine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alpine)\
**Post date:** [March 30, 2000, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crimestoppers/9439/3 "2000-03-30T23:28:00Z")

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And another, more detailed, example:

[Thurston County, WA crimestoppers](http://www.crimebusters.org/CrimeStoppersReport.html)

> [@](#):
>
> You Never Need To Give Your Name!
> 
> ```
> You can leave a crime tip without anybody ever knowing it was you. When you call 493-2222 to report information you will be given a code number at the time of your call. Your tip is then passed on to law enforcement officials. Once an arrest is made, a reward is then authorized. Using the code assigned, you call back to Crime Stoppers to check the status of your tip. At this time you will be told how to collect your reward. You will then be advised to take your code number to a local bank, where you will receive cash.
> 
> ```

* * *

_Cogita tute_