Anonymity overcomes fear of involvement and cash overcomes apathy. Contributions are tax-deductible. All funds received are used for rewards and, to a small degree, for promotional expenses. The responsibility for establishing policy, raising funds and for controlling the amount of reward payments rests with the Board of Directors. Callers are furnished with a confidential code number which is used for identification in all subsequent transactions.
Callers remain anonymous, with no pressure to reveal their identity.
If a caller s information results in the arrest or filing of criminal charges against a felony crime offender or the apprehension of a felony fugitive, arrangements are made for payment of an appropriate reward in CASH, while preserving the informant s anonymity. The Board of Directors approves the rewards to be paid, based on information presented by the Police Coordinator, and makes reward payments without police involvement. All the production and air-time costs are absorbed by the cooperating media. St. Joseph County Crime Stoppers, Inc. serves the entire St. Joseph County area, including Sturgis, Three Rivers and all cities and towns in the county.