Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jan 2006 Source: Pharos-Tribune (IN) Contact: http://www.pharostribune.com Address: P.O. Box 210, Logansport, IN 46947 Copyright: 2006 CNHI Author: Kristina Baker HERE'S A TIP Local police rely on anonymous information to help solve crimes. Sometimes the most crucial clues in a criminal investigation are those that come from the public. Average citizens are helping solve murders, burglaries and other crimes just by supplying tidbits of information that help detectives put together pieces of the puzzle. "We rely on the public a great deal to solve our crimes," said Logansport Assistant Chief A.J. Rozzi, who served in the detective division for more than a decade. "When I was a detective I used it quite often. ... It's been a great tool for us over the years." Through the Cass County Crime Stoppers program, individuals are able to call 722-STOP (7867) and give information without leaving their name or telephone number. The phone line that is used does not have caller ID. "It gives them the opportunity to give us important information about a case without leaving a name," said Rozzi, adding that while some people choose to leave their name or phone number, the majority of them do not. "Crime Stoppers' whole purpose is anonymity," said Sgt. Brad Rozzi, coordinator for the Cass County Crime Stoppers program. According to Brad Rozzi, the types and frequencies of tips vary. "At least 80 percent of the calls I receive are in regard to drugs or narcotics," he said. Other calls reveal the location of individuals wanted on warrants or information pertaining to other types of crimes. "I also receive quite a few calls from surrounding counties in regards to criminal activities that have taken place there." All of that information is forwarded to those counties. When detectives feel a tip is legitimate, code numbers are assigned, Brad Rozzi explained. If the information helps solve a case or lead to an arrest, reward money may be given to the caller. Reward amounts vary depending on the type of offense and are determined by a panel of board members. The program works, said Brad Rozzi, revealing that almost $3,500 was paid out in reward money between 2002 and 2004. In 2002, 163 calls to Crime Stoppers were logged and 20 code numbers were issued. That year, 10 arrests were made as a result of information received through the program. Brad Rozzi said the number of calls logged for 2003 was not available, however, 22 code numbers were issued that year and 18 arrests were made stemming from tips. In 2004, 81 calls were logged and nine arrests were made. A total of 20 code numbers were assigned to callers. Statistics for 2005 are not yet available. "There are weeks we get numerous phone calls, whether they're reliable or not," said Detective Sgt. Brad Sommers with the Cass County Sheriff's Department. Each tip is investigated, he said, adding that some pan out while others don't. Although not every tip is reliable, "We don't want to discourage people from calling in," said A.J. Rozzi. Authorities encourage people to call with any information and allow police to sort through it. One tip may be the piece that solves the puzzle, added Sommers. "That is how this case with the animal shelter was solved," he said, referring to a recent break-in at the shelter. It was also an anonymous tip that led authorities to capture a Cass County man suspected in a shooting in West Lafayette last summer, Sommers noted. He said tips concerning cases investigated by the sheriff's office may be left anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at 722-STOP. Tips also may be left with a detective by calling the sheriff's department at 753-7800. While anonymous informants have helped solve various crimes, city officials are hoping local tipsters will also help clean up the streets by reporting graffiti to the city's new graffiti hotline. The hotline was set up this week and allows the public to call in and report locations of graffiti so that it may be cleaned up quickly. The graffiti hotline number is 722-8717. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman