Public Meeting Announcement: Clay and Cherokee Counties Crime Stoppers

The Cherokee County Sheriff's Office has announced a public meeting to discuss establishing a Crime Stoppers program serving both Cherokee and Clay counties. The meeting is scheduled for May 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the Clay County Sheriff's Office.

About Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers is a three-part approach to combat crime, involving cooperation between:

• Police

• Media

• Community

The program encourages anonymous tips about crimes, such as the "Crime of the Week" or other criminal activities, to aid investigations.

How It Works

1. Phone Tips:

   • Tips are received via a dedicated Crime Stoppers tips line, which does not use caller ID and does not record conversations.

   • A coordinator collects the information, conducts initial inquiries, and forwards it to the investigating officer.

   • Anonymity is guaranteed, encouraging callers to share information without fear of retribution.

   • Cash rewards up to $1,000 are offered for tips leading to arrests or indictments, though some callers choose not to claim rewards.

1. Online Web Tips:

   • Tips can be submitted anonymously online through a secure platform powered by Anderson Software.

   • The system supports Two-Way Dialog, allowing tipsters to provide additional details and coordinators to ask questions or share reward information securely.

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Structure and Funding

• Crime Stoppers operates as a not-for-profit organization governed by a civilian community board of directors.

• The board oversees financial and promotional activities, enhancing community involvement.

• The program is funded entirely by private donations and fundraising, with no tax dollars used.

• A community board meets monthly to evaluate arrests and determine reward amounts, up to $1,000, distributed privately to eligible tipsters.

Impact of Crime Stoppers

• Proven Success: Since its inception, Crime Stoppers has led to thousands of arrests and significant property recovery through tips about crimes like murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug, and firearm offenses.

• Community Benefits:

  • Increased awareness of crime issues.

  • Greater community willingness to combat crime.

  • Stronger relationships between police, media, and the public.

• The program is widely accepted as an effective investigative tool and a community-friendly way to share information.

For more details, attend the public meeting on May 13, 2025, at the Clay County Sheriff's Office.