History

Crime Stoppers began after a brutal robbery and murder in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1976. Police investigating a robbery and murder of a young gas station attendant reached out to the public for information to help solve the crime. They promised complete anonymity to all those who called with information and a cash reward if the tip was instrumental in solving the crime. Their plea was answered by several calls to a toll free tips line and arrests followed soon after.

It did not take long for this model to be copied by other law enforcement agencies across the United States and around the world. However, law enforcement agencies needed a not-for-profit board to raise money and to distribute cash rewards for the anonymous tips. The answer – Crime Stoppers!

In 2003, Somerset County Prosecutor; Wayne J. Forrest proposed the idea of developing a Somerset County Crime Stoppers program. After meeting with key leaders in the community it was unanimously decided that everyone was interested in making our community safer. By establishing a Crime Stoppers of Somerset County, Inc. we would be able to provide a vehicle for Somerset County residents to make their voices heard concerning safety. Additionally, the organization would allow citizens to actively participate in supporting the efforts of all law enforcement agencies in the county and work together to create a safer environment for their families.

Crime Stoppers of Somerset County, Inc. was officially incorporated in 2004 thus forming a partnership with law enforcement, media and the residents of the county. Who are the partners in the program?

• Law Enforcement - The primary law enforcement agency is the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office. Calls anonymously placed to 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net are answered by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and Somerset County’s 911 Communication Center operators.
• Media - Each week the Courier- News and the Somerset Reporter newspapers feature “Fugitives of the Week”, alerting the public of individuals that are wanted by law enforcement agencies in Somerset County for crimes that they have committed. Other media outlets such as wire services, radio, cable and television stations are also utilized.
• Community - Members of a Board of Directors represent Somerset County residents and other volunteers who have pledged their time and support to make our streets and neighborhoods safer places to live and work.

The Board of Directors primary function is to raise funds in order to support the initiatives of the Somerset County Crime Stoppers program.

What are the initiatives of the Somerset County Crime Stoppers program?

• Cash rewards – Calls to 1-888-577-TIPS (8477) or tips submitted online at www.888577tips.org or www.scpo.net are eligible to receive a cash reward for tips that lead to the arrest and indictment of criminal offenders or the capture of fugitives wanted by Somerset County Law Enforcement agencies.
• Alternate Route Scholarships – The availability of scholarship money can be a major consideration as decisions are made regarding a future course of study. We want to help the dedicated individuals who are determined to join the fight against crime in our community by making scholarships available to eligible candidates enrolled in the Somerset County Police Academy’s Basic Police Course.
• Grants – Through the grant process funds are awarded to local Police Departments and the Prosecutor’s Office to upgrade and enhance the available resources used to maintain safe communities.