What is Crime Stoppers?
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization which began January, 1987. This organization was developed to help Law Enforcement agencies solve crimes by providing anonymity to people reporting the information, and providing a reward for information leading to arrest and formal charging. They have assisted in Law Enforcement agencies in the Winona County area with solving numerous crime cases.
Solving a crime is like putting together the pieces of a puzzle. Individuals can often provide the missing piece but are afraid or do not wish to become involved. Crime Stoppers encourage people to provide crime information by offering a CASH reward plus anonymity.
How does Crime Stoppers work?
When a crime-related call is received by crime stoppers, it is logged with the date, time, and a summary of the callers information. Callers are often given a code number which is used on all subsequent calls by the same person regarding that case.
CASH rewards are paid to individuals whose information leads to arrest and formal charging of a suspect. The Board of Directors oversees the program and approves the rewards to be paid.
Law enforcement agencies provide details of unsolved crimes for release to the media. An unsolved crime is selected each week to be presented. People are requested to call Crime Stoppers in these Unsolved Crimes of the Week, as heard on KAGE or HOME 101 or any crime they may know of.
Where does the reward money come from?
The money comes from individual donations to Crime Stoppers and grants from businesses and foundations. All donations are tax deductible.
What kinds of tips are useful?
The best tips are those which are factual and can be substantiated, such as:
· Names and addresses of suspects
· dates and times of a crime
· positive identification of a suspect
· license number of vehicles involved
· identifiable characteristics of suspect
· personal knowledge of any crime
Board of Directors:
Wayne Valentine (President)
Angela Hundt (Vice President
Dean Beckman (Treasurer)
Dave Eckert (Secretary)
Al Thurley
Robert Losinski
Representatives from the Area of Law Enforcement:
Ron Ganrude (Sheriff)
Kent Russell (Goodview Police Chief)
Paul Bostrack (Winona Police Chief)
Bridget Klinger (Winona Police Department Community Liaison Officer)
Ken Frank (St. Charles Police Chief)
Scott Yeiter (Lewiston Police Chief)