Scholastic Crime Stoppers is a program that involves the students, school administration and staff, and the police in the reduction and prevention of crime on school property. It offers anonymity and cash rewards to students who furnish information leading to an arrest or disciplinary action against offenders. It also offers anonymity and cash rewards to students who furnish information that prevents crimes from occurring, such as threats of violence and intimidation. The anonymity offered by Crime Stoppers overcomes the fear students have of coming forward with information, and the offering of cash rewards overcomes apathy.

Scholastic Crime Stoppers involves the students at every level of the program. The students take full ownership of the program from the very start, with guidance provided by a school resource officer and/or school staff member. The program is administered by a student board of directors who have the responsibility of promoting, fund raising, and making recommendations for cash rewards.

Though each school tailors its Crime Stoppers program to fit its needs, the concept is the same. A student with information concerning a crime that has occurred, or may occur, contacts the Crime Stoppers program (through a tip line, school resource officer, designated staff member, or perhaps through any adult within the school whom they trust). The anonymous student is given a Crime Stoppers code number. The information is passed along to the school administration and possibly law enforcement, for follow-up. If the information prevents a crime from occurring or leads to an arrest, disciplinary action, or recovery of property, the student receives a cash reward for their help. Cash rewards usually range from $10 to $100.

A successful Scholastic Crime Stoppers program will reduce violence, criminalization and victimization of the student population by encouraging students to report incidents and threats of violence and other crimes that occur at school or at school events. It also promotes school pride and responsibility and allows students to take an active part in their own safety. Scholastic Crime Stoppers is internationally recognized and has received the endorsement of the National School Board of America.

Though there is not one single program or plan that can solve the problem of violence, Scholastic Crime Stoppers in the schools gives youth a sense that they have some control over their own safety at school. It is the purpose of Scholastic Crime Stoppers to provide a safe place where students feel free to provide information and get past their fear of being called a snitch. Crime Stoppers increases students individual self-esteem by establishing their importance in the school environment and enabling them to make a difference.

Though statistics do not exist concerning the number of violent crimes prevented due to Scholastic Crime Stoppers programs, we are certain that many tragedies could have been avoided if only an anonymous reporting system like Crime Stoppers existed. In an article published in the FBI LAW ENFORCEMENT BULLETIN, is written, In all but one of the six school shootings, the suspects leaked their inten

Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities tip line (762-9500) was created in 1982 to provide a way for citizens to give information about drug trafficking and other criminal activity in their neighborhoods. Since 1995, Student Crime Stoppers Clubs at Moline High School and John Deere and Wilson Middle Schools have reduced violence and victimization of the student population by encouraging students to report incidents and threats of violence.  It allows students to take an active part in their own safety.  Now, with our School Safety Program, students, staff, and parents of our elementary schools can call Crime Stoppers to report crimes occurring at school, around school, and in the community.  

“The School Safety Program will be a valuable tool in solving and preventing crime in schools.”-- Detective/Sergeant Trevor Fisk, Juvenile Division, Moline Police Department

All Calls are Anonymous.  When someone calls the Crime Stoppers tip line, no one will ask them who they are or where they live.  The operator asks some questions to find out about the crime and who committed it.  The operator will give the caller a code number so that they can call back if they find out more information.  The tip line is answered 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week, 365-days-a-year.  

What Happens Next? The information given by the caller is passed on to the appropriate official, either school or law enforcement.  If the information solves the crime, the caller receives a cash reward of up to $1,000.  Rewards are paid to the caller at one of several locations in the Quad Cities when the caller provides their code number.

Students, Staff, and Parents Can Report:
·        Theft
·        Vandalism
·        School arson fires
·        Graffiti
·        Drug possession and sales at school
·        Violent crime or threats of violent crime
·        Gang Violence
·        Weapons in school

Crime Stoppers has been welcomed and praised by school officials as a valuable resource when a school has been affected by crime.
 
“Combined with our Police Liaisons, Student Crime Stoppers is an integral part of keeping our school safe.” -- Dan McGuire, Assistant Principal, John Deere Middle School

Crime Stoppers School Safety Program signs posted outside of schools and posters hanging inside schools are a visible warning that schools have zero tolerance for crime.