Pubdate: 21 Sep 2011
Source: Review, The (Keremeos, CN BC)
Copyright: 2011 Black Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/RMt95nz6
Website: http://www.bclocalnews.com/okanagan_similkameen/keremeosreview/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4048
Author: James Laton

TO OUR NAMELESS CITIZEN HEROES

Crime is something every community faces. It is not only the 
responsibility of the police, but that of the citizens within a 
community to help bring criminals to justice. Most citizens of a 
community fail to provide information as they do not want to go to 
court or deal directly with the police. Some people think that there 
is nothing they can do to make a difference. These citizens would 
like to do the right thing, but for a variety of reasons, including 
fear of repercussions, or not having the amount of time it takes to 
attend court and give a statement, prefer to keep their anonymity.

It's only when we realize that we must all work together to make our 
community a better and safer place. You may think that you can't make 
a difference, but you can!

If you are one of the people who would like to help, but don't know 
what you can do, you are in luck, as there is an organization that 
allows you to provide information on criminal activity, without 
dealing directly with the police. This organization welcomes all 
types of information; from information on drug activity, to organized 
crime, to stolen goods, and more. The smallest piece of information 
provided might point law enforcement in the right direction, or put 
the last piece of the puzzle in place. First hand information is 
particularly important. You may even receive a monetary award, up to 
$2000, for the information you provide if it leads to an arrest. This 
organization does not wait for convictions as this can sometimes take 
way to long! This organization makes heroes out of ordinary citizens 
and it is called Crime Stoppers.

Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that does not receive 
government funding. It is not run by law enforcement, but instead by 
volunteers from the community. It's important to note that no one, 
not even the police, can find out who has provided the tip. Crime 
Stoppers provides tipsters with complete anonymity. Your name, 
telephone number, address, etc. is never asked of you. Crime Stoppers 
will only identify you with a Tipster number. Your identity will 
never be known by anyone. Crime Stoppers will even edit the 
information you provide, to protect any information that might 
disclose your identity. Crime Stoppers is a tool to help you become a 
nameless everyday hero in your community.

Please help your community by becoming a nameless everyday hero and 
calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477) or visiting the 
website at www.SouthOkanaganCrimeStoppers.ca for other anonymous ways 
of passing along information. To learn more about Crime Stoppers 
contact Al Sismey, the Regional Crime Stoppers Coordinator at 250-770-4721.

- -By James Laton 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart