Crime Stoppers uses a three part approach to solving crimes.  The first part of the program is to empower the community by providing a safe way to report criminal activity. Secondly, Crime Stoppers partners with all forms of media in the Los Angeles region to inform the community on how to anonymously report crimes.  Law Enforcement is the final part of the triangle; they follow-up on tips from community members.

The Phone Call

Calls are received at a Call Center using a toll free number: 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).  All phone lines are encrypted and no phone calls are ever recorded.  Tips are then sent onto LA Crime Stoppers for further evaluation.  By guaranteeing a caller's anonymity, Crime Stoppers allows the caller to provide information without fear of retaliation.  By offering cash rewards for information that leads to an arrest or criminal filing, the program encourages othewise relunctant callers to provide information.

The Online WebTip

Tipsters now have the option of giving us tips online. The process is completely secure and anonymous and is a very effective and efficient means of safely communicating with us in today's world. Our WebTip process is powered by the world's leading online tip solution provider, Anderson Software.  

The very unique integrated Two-Way Dialog capabilties allow the tipster to come back and provide additional information to their tip at any time, but also provides a secure means for the coordinator to ask questions or provide reward information back to the tipster through the same secure and encrypted interface.

Structure and Funding of Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers Programs are organized as a not for profit organization. A civilian community board of directors provides direction as to the financial and promotional activities of the program. The board of directors enhances the community involvement aspect, and its function is vital to the programs success.

The Crime Stoppers program is funded by private donations and annual fund raising events. NO TAX DOLLARS are involved. The reward money paid out by the program is from the fund raising and donations from concerned citizens and businesses.

A community board of directors, made up of persons from throughout the area, meets on a monthly basis to evaluate arrests and to decide on the size of rewards to be paid, up to $1,000. Reward tips are paid out based on the severity of the crimes. Tips are eligible for rewards up to $1,000, but, despite this, many callers choose not to collect their rewards.