From Staff Reports
The value of Parker County Crime Stoppers is reflected in annual statistics provided by the crime-fighting organization, officials say.
In 2012, Crime Stoppers assisted local law enforcement agencies by receiving and forwarding tips that led to 50 arrests.
Out of 166 tips received through the Crime Stoppers hotline last year alone, 49 local cases were cleared stemming from those tips.
Those same tips were turned over to local law enforcement agencies and led to the capture of 19 fugitives whose arrests would not have been made possible without the tips. The organization received tips that generated a total of 49 charges, leading to more than 38 separate reward payouts which were approved by the board last year, for a total annual payout of $14,650 for the combined anonymous tips.
Those same tips led to various drug seizures with a total street value of $1,340.
The statistics have notably risen since the previous year. In a single 12-month period, the organization generated 29 more tips since 2011, with 18 additional arrests, 15 more cases cleared, 15 additional charges and 14 additional reward payouts resulting in $5,700 additional monies in rewards paid to tipsters, in comparison to one year ago. In addition to the rise in tip statistics in just one year, the organization is responsible for an additional $789 in the street value of drug seizures.
The tips are generated anonymously through the hotline. Call takers forward the tips to the appropriate law enforcement agency, and to the proper investigator or detective assigned to the cases.
Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said the tips are extremely helpful when all leads are exhausted and investigators wish to turn to the public in locating individuals or searching for additional leads on crucial cases.
“In many instances, it helps significantly to have a reward posted regarding sensitive cases, so we can locate a suspect,” Fowler said. “We are fortunate to have the Crime Stoppers organization assisting us. Many cases would go unresolved without their cooperation and their strict policy of anonymity in generating tips from the public.”
Weatherford Police Chief Mike Manning echoed Fowler’s praise for Parker County Crime Stoppers.
“The organization’s statistics speak for themselves,” Manning said. “It is a highly successful cooperative effort between the citizens and law enforcement. If not for the participation of the donors, citizens and board members we would not have near the success as we have seen.”
There is no doubt; the local Crime Stoppers organization is growing along with the population.
Board members are seeking additional volunteers as reputable board members.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the organization or volunteering for the board, you can contact Weatherford Police Capt. Greg Lance, at 817-598-4403.
If you have a tip regarding a local case or crime, you may remain anonymous by calling the Parker County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 817-599-5555.
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest or indictment.
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