Facts about unsolved crimes are publicized by the local media, and citizens are asked to call the Crime Stoppers number if they have any information about the crime. Informants are given code numbers to be used in all communications. Even the method of paying rewards is designed to protect the caller's identity. A civilian board of directors, drawn from all segments of the community, determines the amount of each reward and oversees the promotion of the program. Crime Stoppers programs operate almost entirely on private donations and is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a private, non-profit organization.
All donations are tax deductible.
Crime Stoppers programs have been highly successful in solving crimes in hundreds of cities and communities across the United States and Canada. The program has a conviction rate that has remained consistently within the 90th percentile. In 1995, North Carolina's 65 Crime Stoppers programs logged 10,000 calls, leading to the solution of more than 2,500 cases. Crime Stoppers also helps to solve cases that might otherwise remain mysteries, often clearing more than one case at a time. Crime Stoppers tips often lead to information on other cases, reported and unreported, saving valuable investigative time and taxpayers' dollars.