Crime Stop:
A successful PSOJ initiative
IN OCTOBER 1987, a group of private-sector businesses and service organisations appealed in an open letter to the government of the day and to the political parties to re-establish the rule of law and security of the people.
Under the direction of the then president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, they set out to raise the funds to assist the national effort. After raising $1.3 million and due consideration, it was decided that the most direct and suitable programme in the fight against crime that the PSOJ could initiate would be to bring about a partnership between the media, the private sector, the police and the community by offering rewards for information leading to the arrest of criminals and the recovery of stolen property, illegal firearms and illegal narcotics. Of critical importance was an option of anonymity for informants being built into the process. This led to the decision to initiate a ‘Crime Stoppers’ programme similar to those that operate in the United States, Canada and numerous countries around the world.
REMARKABLE RESULTS
By May 1989 the National Crime Prevention Fund was established, which was converted into a limited liability company on March 21, 1991. A trust was created and a board of trustees appointed to administer the fund with a board of directors drawn from the media, PSOJ, the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the community.
A paid civilian coordinator was appointed to oversee the day-today administration of the fund.
On September 6, 1989, the Crime Stop Programme was officially launched.
This is by far one of the most notable success stories of the PSOJ, and thanks to the media, video production company and the police, the programme continues to achieve remarkable results in helping to solve crime. The ‘Crime of the Month’ and ‘Stop the Guns and Drugs’ campaigns have generated positive feedback and support from the public.
Widening its scope of operations, Crime Stop Jamaica in 2014 developed a partnership with the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd, where Crime Stop agreed to take information from the public on persons that are stealing electricity to conduct their business. This partnership has been deemed a success and continues today.
In 2015, Crime Stop celebrated its 25th anniversary with an awards dinner in which individuals, companies and associations were thanked for their contribution to the programme over the 25 years.
HOW THE PROGRAMME WORKS
When an informant calls the office with information, they are given a code number – this number becomes the file number. The information is recorded and handed out to the relevant police authorities to act on. If the informant is interested in receiving a reward, they will call back giving their code number to check on the outcome of the information they have given. If the information leads to an arrest and/or recovery of stolen or illegal property, the informant is entitled to receive a reward if it is requested. The reward is paid in cash and once a request is made for a reward, arrangements are made to have the money left at a safe place decided on by the informant. The amount of the reward is determined by guidelines set out by the board of directors.
FUNDING
All the costs of the programme, including the administration, advertising and payments for the rewards are covered by the following:
Media and related bodies contribute on an ongoing and regular basis, free time and space, design and production facilities for advertisements, posters, stickers and the like.
The police provide office space and personnel to man the telephone hotlines.
The PSOJ secretariat provides accounting services free of cost.
All cash expenses are paid for by interest which is accrued on the Capital Investment Fund, which is made up from donations received from the private sector.