Crime Stoppers updates tip system

ORISKANY, N.Y. » The Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers has just gotten an overhaul.

Under the current structure, all “tips” are received either by telephone or electronic means by the Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers executive director via cell phone. This method has been adequate to date, but at times not the most efficient.

Beginning Nov. 1, all tips will be received through the Oneida County 911 Center located in Oriskany. The information received will then be reviewed by a designated Crime Stopper Co- ordinator assigned to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. The Crime Stopper Coordinator will then be responsible for providing this information to the appropriate law enforcement agency. This partnership allows true 24/7 monitoring and assures the most efficient dissemination of time sensitive information as it is received.

Crime Stoppers encourages members of the community to assist local law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime by overcoming the two key elements that inhibit community involvement: fear and apathy.

Crime Stoppers provides a telephone number and Web Tips to encourage citizens in the community to volunteer vital information helpful to law enforcement agencies to fight against crime.

You can place a 100 percent anonymous tip several ways:

1) Through the Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers website at www.mohawkvalleycrimestoppers.com

2) Directly at www.p3tips.com

3) By calling 1-866-7308477 (TIPS)

4) By downloading the Android app P3TIPS

Crime Stoppers kiosks are currently located in the cities of Utica and Rome Police Departments, along with one at the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in the jail visitation lobby.

Callers and tipsters remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward if the information they provide leads to an arrest or grand jury indictment of a felony offender.

Crime Stoppers relies on volunteer directors and tax deductible contributions from the public in order to operate the administration of the program.