Crime Stoppers adds new layer of police protection

Press release from Menifee Police Department:

MENIFEE – Southwest Riverside County has a new advantage in helping keep our communities safe. Southwest Riverside Crime Stoppers (SWRCS) is a 501c(3) non-profit that provides a means for citizens to anonymously report crimes that they have witnessed and potentially receive a reward if the tip leads to an arrest.

Crime Stoppers is a nationwide program which was created in 1976 to assist law enforcement agencies by providing a safe and anonymous way to report criminal activity and/or wanted individuals. Information is submitted to law enforcement agencies anonymously through a tip line. All tips provided to SWRCS are and will remain anonymous.

“As residents of the area, we saw an opportunity to support our local law enforcement. Data shows that having residents who are a part of the crime-fighting solution makes a substantial difference in the outcomes of criminal activity in a community,” said SWRCS Board President Tony LoPiccolo.

The local police departments partnering with SWRCS have joined a significant number of local and national law enforcement agencies in combating criminal activity through community empowerment. Tipsters are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information given through SWRCS leads to an arrest and/or positive identification of individuals involved in illegal activity.

“The Menifee Police Department was built upon, and is rooted in, the philosophy of community policing. We know we cannot do it alone. It takes a strong partnership with the community to accomplish our mission of keeping Menifee safe,” said Chief of Police Chris Karrer. “Partnering with Southwest Riverside Crimestoppers helps us enhance our community engagement and adds yet another way for the police department to work together with the community to solve crime, hold criminals accountable, and provide justice to victims.”

Tips can be related to wanted individuals, crimes against persons and property, narcotics, and other crimes.

“Crime Stoppers enables anyone to provide law enforcement with valuable and timely crime information via phone, text, and the internet. We are proud to establish this partnership as a way to enhance Murrieta’s policing efforts. We would not be one of the safest cities in the nation if it wasn’t for the support of our community, and SWRCS is an additional way to strengthen the community/police department partnership,” shared Murrieta Police Chief Tony Conrad.

The Crime Stoppers program is funded by private donations and annual fundraising events. No tax dollars are involved. The reward money is funded completely from SWRCS events and donations from concerned citizens and businesses.

“The Hemet Police Department is excited to join forces with Crime Stoppers, which is an invaluable asset to the Hemet community, promoting a collaborative approach towards crime prevention and resolution," said Chief Eddie J. Pust of the Hemet Police Department. "By uniting our resources and expertise, we can leverage the power of community engagement to effectively combat crime and hold offenders accountable."

Crime tips can be provided by going to the SWRCS website or by calling their toll-free number at 844-227-8477(TIPS). Their mobile app is also available for download at www.swrcrimestoppers.com. SWRCS is exclusively supported by donations and not by tax funds. Follow them on social media at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.