As a three part approach to solving the crime problem, Crime Solvers relies on cooperation between the police, the media, and the general community to provide a flow of information about crime and criminals.

THE PHONE CALL

Calls are received through our toll-free Crime Solvers tip line. This phone is a stand alone instrument which does not provide caller ID, and conversations are not recorded. The Crime Solvers Police Coordinator receiving the information competes the tips information form, makes initial inquires nd then passes the information to the investigating officer.

By guaranteeing a caller's anonymity, Crime Solvers allows the caller to give information in a positive atmosphere without the prospect of retribution. By offering cash rewards for information leading to arrests or indictments, the program encourages otherwise reluctant callers to provide information.

Virginia Beach Crime Solvers is a private, non-profit organization. Its civilian-based, community board of directors provides direction as to the financial and promotional activities of the program. The Board of Directors enhances the community involvement aspect, and its function is vital to the programs success.

Virginia Beach Crime Solvers is funded by private donations and fund raising. NO TAX DOLLARS are involved. The reward money paid out by the program is from the fund raising and donations from concerned citizens and businesses.

A community board of directors, made up of persons from throughout the area, meet on a monthly basis to evaluate the arrests and to decide on the size of rewards to be paid, up to $1,000. Rewards are then distributed in a private manner to the callers. Callers are eligible for rewards up to $1,000, but despite this, many callers choose not to collect their rewards.

DOES IT WORK?

Yes! Since the inception of Virginia Beach Crime Solvers in 1982, many calls have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of substantial amounts of property and narcotics. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drug and firearm offenses.

The success of Virginia Beach Crime Solvers cannot be purely judged on statistics, however, other benefits have come to notice:

• A greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem.
• A willingness by the community to fight back against crime if it is given the opportunity and motivation.
• Improved relations between the police, media and the community.

Virginia Beach Crime Solvers is definitely here to stay. It has been accepted by law enforcement as a vital and effective investigative tool and the public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.