In 1979, also under the guidance of Greg MacAleese and then Governor Bruce King, a bill was introduced into the New Mexico State legislature forming the first statewide Crime Stoppers program in the nation. At that time, its purpose was to establish and assist other programs throughout the state of New Mexico. The San Juan County Crime Stoppers program was formed in 1977. To date there are over 30 Crime Stoppers programs in the State of New Mexico. Crime stoppers programs are staffed by trained personnel to take confidential tips over the telephone.
Citizens call in information on various crimes or the location of fugitives.
The information is then disseminated to the proper law enforcement agencies. All rewards are voted on and approved by the Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of the Board of Directors, which is comprised of local citizens in San Juan County. To set the amount of the cash rewards using local guidelines. Since the beginning of the New Mexico State Crime Stoppers in 1979, over 2,000 cases have been cleared using Crime Stoppers information.