This year, Crime Stoppers is celebrating its 12th anniversary since inception in 1999. Since that time, the Chamber has continued to be a supporter of the organization. At present, having undergone several changes it remains a fully independent entity. Today, the Chamber takes the opportunity to congratulate Crime Stoppers for its role in crime fighting in Trinidad and Tobago.

Crime Stoppers was established at a time when Trinidad and Tobago began seeing increases in its murder rates and also started grappling with the ‘newer’ crimes such as kidnapping. Today, more than ever the organization remains of utmost relevance, given the present level of crime and its impact on the conduct of business in T&T.

It is no news that the Police Service is suffering from a crisis of confidence. Community intelligence is critically low, as the public perception is that there are pockets of corrupt officers within the force, therefore information provided to them is insecure. It is here that organizations such Crime Stoppers play such a crucial role, providing an avenue to give information confidentially and to track it’s progress.

By simply calling Crime Stoppers, each citizen can become involved in helping to reduce crime in our country.

On average, just over 100 persons are arrested annually as a result of tips received through Crime Stoppers. Since inception more than 15,500 tips had been received and in excess of 1,200 arrests made. In addition, in excess of $11.9 million worth of stolen property was been recovered, and 7,228 cases cleared. Pretty good results for a civilian-based organization. This certainly confirms that the programme is working, but given the continued unsatisfactory levels of crime and a detection rate of merely 12-14%, it would be good to see more engagement from the public.

The strength of the Crime Stoppers programme is its confidentiality. It has been operating around the world for almost 35 years, accepting anonymous tips and relaying them to authorities, and the identity of a person has never been breached. It supports the work of the police by
passing to them all the tips received, since they are the ones with the resources, expertise and mandate to follow up on these leads.

The T&T arm is supported by Crime Stoppers International with knowledge sharing of over 1,200 similar programmes in more than 25 countries worldwide. It is funded by donations and goodwill from corporate T&T, the Government and other fundraising activities.

Recently, Crime Stoppers improved its website at www.crimestopperstt.com making it easier to submit online tips if this method is preferred. The software for submitting tips has been in use worldwide for several years and is guaranteed secure and anonymous as submitted information is encrypted directly into the application.
Tipsters can return to securely add information to the original tip or ask about rewards. In addition, a Facebook page has been established where
discussion is facilitated, but no tips taken. The organization is currently exploring even newer, more innovative ways to carry out its mandate with our younger more technology savvy citizens.

As the Chamber joins with Crime Stoppers in celebrating its 12th anniversary we look forward to even better results as the lives of our citizens are improved.

The Seventh Meeting of the UN Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) held in Geneva last month suggested that to more effectively counter organised crime member countries should adopt “a law enforcement multi-agency, intelligence led approach of working with key partners in the private sector”.

Its report added: “In seeking ways to generate information from the public the Crime Stoppers initiative, which brings together the community, the media, and the police, has proven to be effective in a number of countries.” Since May 2005, Crime Stoppers International has been granted a special consultative status by the United Nations, which allows CSI to work with the UN Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Interpol and Europol.

The report stated further that it considered “Crime Stoppers to be a proven method of securing information to assist in the development of intelligence and as an aid to the law enforcement investigation process”. Last year, Crime Stoppers International celebrates its thirtieth anniversary, and over that period it has been able to promote the concept of through some 1,200 Crime Stoppers programmes in over 22 countries worldwide.

Since 1999, the Crime Stoppers initiative has been operating in Trinidad and Tobago, with a 24-hour Call Centre offering the public a safe and confidential system to provide information on crime in their communities.
Based upon the information provided by that the Trinidad and Tobago public, Crime Stoppers has assisted the protective services in the seizure of over $210 million worth of narcotics and the recovery of $3.9 million worth of stolen property.

The judges, two experienced artists, first assessed entries from throughout Trinidad and Tobago, and then narrowed the list down to 12 finalists – the Believers’ Training Centre, New Grant; Friends of the Sangre Civic Centre; Casablanca Pan Yard, Belmont; Biche Community Council; La Seiva Village Council; the Realise Junction Council, Lengua, Princes Town; San Fernando Government Sec. School; Vega De Oropouche Village Council; Boys Town Steel Orch., Carenage; Roxborough Multipurpose Youth Centre, Tobago; Good Wood Gardens Community; and the Dinsley/Trincity Neighbourhood Watch.

So far, these messages on these signs have already begun to have an impact upon communities. One community has reported that it has received requests from surrounding villages for copies of its design. The judges’ decision, presented the last meeting of the Board of Crime Stoppers for approval, has been ratified, and will be announced at a presentation ceremony.

In the meantime, Crime Stoppers has begun the installation of concrete benches, carrying crime prevention messages, throughout the country. The first of these benches has been installed in an area, near the Arima Lawn Tennis Court, and King’s Court, south of the Arima Velodrome.

Fifteen of these benches are to be installed at easily identifiable sites, around the eastern Borough. Later, they will be installed in the Boroughs of Chaguanas, and Port of Spain, and areas managed by the Regional Corporations of San Juan/Laventille, and Tunapuna/Piarco. The programme will be extended later to areas in south Trinidad.

Crime Stoppers also continues with its radio series, currently being broadcast three times per week on 14 stations. The programme, called “The Crime Stoppers Minute” provides tips on crime prevention, simply techniques on how citizens could avoid criminal attacks in every day circumstances

Mr. John Aboud, chairman of Crime Stoppers T&T (far L) and Mr. Junia Regrello, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Community Development, Culture and Gender Affairs (far R) present the awards to (L to R) Mr. Prior Superville of Friends of the Sangre Grande Civic Centre, Mr. Augustus Mark of Casablanca Pan Yard, Belmont and Ms. Cheryl Joseph of Believers’ Training Centre, Sixth Company Village, Princes Town. Also in attendance was the Minister of National Security, Senator Martin Joseph.

RESULTS

• 1st Believers’ Training Centre, Sixth Company Village, PRINCES TOWN
• 2nd Casablanca Pan Yard, BELMONT
• 3rd Friends of the Sangre Grande Civic Centre

OTHER FINALISTS

• San Fernando Government Secondary School, SAN FERNANDO
• Vega De Oropouche Village Council, SANGRE GRANDE
• Dinsley & Trincity Neighbourhood Watch, TRINCITY
• Goodwood Gardens Community, DIEGO MARTIN
• Pt. Cumana Community Centre, POINT CUMANA
• Central Village, Lengua, PRINCES TOWN
• Roxborough Police Youth Club, TOBAGO
• La Seiva Village Council, ST. JOSEPH
• Sooknanan Street, BICHE

Members of Youth Crime Stoppers at the programme launch

The Programme appeals to youths throughout Trinidad Tobago to call Crime Stoppers at 800-TIPS to report any information they have on crimes which affects them. Age is not specified, and the normal rewards system does not apply.

Objectives of Youth Crime Stoppers

• To increase awareness amongst all students and the younger generation that they have a responsibility to report all criminal acts.
• To provide awareness amongst students to report crime without fear of retribution through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-TIPS (8477).
• To help reduce the number of crimes committed on and around school property as a result of increased consciousness

Councillor Adrian Boodhan (third from left) thanks Mr. Billy Ali, Director of Crime Stoppers TT at a presentation of Crime Stoppers benches, which are installed in the Borough of Chaguanas. In attendance were (left to right) Keith Subero, General Manager - Crime Stoppers, Alderman Ramesh Ramdhan and Councillor Bertrand Bailey.

Crime Stoppers Trinidad and Tobago intends to make similar donations to other communities across the country.

• The Crime Stoppers Trinidad & Tobago Chairman’s letter
• The Trinidad & Tobago Police Commissioner’s letter
• The FBI and Trinidad & Tobago National Security’s letter

The Special Consultative Status allows CSI to designate members of Crime Stoppers to serve as “non-governmental organization” or “NGO” representatives to lend their expertise on matters being discussed at committee levels before resolutions are presented to the UN’s General Assembly.

“This is a great honor for Crime Stoppers International and all Crime Stoppers programs around the world,” said Steve Walrath of Beloit, Wisconsin, president of Crime Stoppers International.

“Crime Stoppers International has been a world leader in the fight against crime and we believe those who serve with Crime Stoppers in law enforcement and the volunteers from the business community and the media can contribute a wealth of experience to the United Nations, particularly in areas related to concerns of crime and the threat from terrorism,” Walrath said.

“We expect to be working very closely with the UN’s Office on Drugs and Crime which was established in 1997 and has been a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs and other international criminal activity,” he said. “Crime Stoppers has been a grass-roots organization that was formed in 1976 and now operates in more than 1,000 communities worldwide to combat a wide range of crime.”

Walrath said Crime Stoppers has helped improve the quality of life by allowing those who would normally be silenced through fear to anonymously let the police know who is responsible for crime.

“The United Nations has recognized Crime Stoppers International and all those who work and volunteer with local Crime Stoppers programs for the contributions they have made to keep our streets safe and improve the quality of life and security of everyone,” Walrath said.

According to Crime Stoppers International’s Executive Director and General Counsel, Richard W. Carter, of Arlington, Texas, “the special status granted to Crime Stoppers International runs from 2005 to 2008 and permits Crime Stoppers to designate official representatives to attend and make oral presentations at public sessions of committees at the United Nations’ headquarters in New York City, UN offices in Geneva and Vienna. In addition, representatives from CSI can attend UN sponsored conferences and meetings worldwide.”

Carter also noted that Crime Stoppers International is also required to submit quadrennial reports from the various regions in the world where Crime Stoppers programs are now operating.

To obtain accreditation with the United Nations, Crime Stoppers International had to submit detailed information outlining the work CSI does in various countries as well as providing financial statements.

The board of directors of Crime Stoppers International agreed to seek NGO status after reviewing the mandate of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to assist countries in the struggle against illicit drugs, crime and terrorism.

Crime Stoppers International and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime share the view that globalization has created an environment where illicit drugs, crime and terrorism can flow easily across borders.

In an effort to combat these problems the UNODC is working to improve treaties between countries, establish more effective judicial cooperation, create prevention and counter measures against illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse, focus attention on human trafficking and other forms of organized crime, money laundering, corruption and terrorism.

The board of Crime Stoppers International believes they can assist by helping UN committees get a better understanding of the impact of drug trafficking and other crime at the street level as well as improving awareness and increasing knowledge of any criminal activity that affects people in communities.

The UNODC says it has worked closely with non-governmental organizations through the years and recognizes the powerful influence groups like Crime Stoppers International exert on public attitudes and social values.

They said their field offices are currently working with more than 1,200 NGO’s around the world in the effort to counter drug abuse.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our local Crime Stoppers program to not only continue the fight against crime in our communities, but also assist in the global effort to combat criminal activity,” said Darrin Carmichael, chair of Crime Stoppers Trinidad and Tobago.

Carmichael said Crime Stoppers has had a significant impact in assisting police here to make arrests in crimes that may have gone unsolved and its gratifying that Crime Stoppers will be helping to develop policies and strategies that will undoubtedly assist the United Nations in stemming the flow of illicit drugs and fighting other crime, including the threats we are currently facing from terrorism, that are affecting the lives of people in every country.

“I see this as another positive step for Crime Stoppers,” Carmichael said.

CONTACTS:

Steve Walrath, President of Crime Stoppers International, Inc.
Cell # (608) 289-3756 Beloit, Wisconsin USA
steveradio@charter.net

Cal Millar, Chair of Publicity Committee (905) 270-6983
Toronto, Canada
cal.millar@sympatico.ca

Richard Carter, Executive Director & General Counsel (800) 245-0009
Arlington, Texas USA
CrimeStoppersInt@aol.com

Hanifa Mezoui, Chief, NGO Section/DESA of the United Nations
(212) 963-8652
New York, New York USA
desangosection@un.org

Darrin Carmichael, Chairman – Crime Stoppers T&T (868)-683-2741
Devrol Dupigny, General Manager – Crime Stoppers T&T (868) – 688-7277

For more info about Crime Stoppers International see www.c-s-i.org or www.crimestopperstt.com

CS Trinidad and Tobago Chairman John Aboud (left), National Security Minister Martin Joseph (center) and CSI President Steve Walrath

Walrath’s visit was a testament to the spirit of collaboration and global commitment to the eradication of crime and terrorism.

As President of CSI, Walrath oversees 1,200 programs in 20 countries. He is also Chairman of the Board of the CSI Foundation. In addition, he was instrumental in CSI receiving official United Nations consultative status on crime initiatives and is credited for the recognition of the organisation by bodies such as the FBI and Scotland Yard

His optimistic messages of hope and the value of human life have inspired thousands in the spheres of business, education and law enforcement

Darrin Carmichael – Chairman Crime Stoppers Trinidad & Tobago (CSTT), Ag. Corporal Adriana Archer, Assistant Police Coordinator CSTT, Devrol Dupigny, General Manager CSTT, Steve Walrath President Crime Stoppers International, Zamanath Ali Regional Director CSTT, Balliram Maharaj Director CSTT, Leila Maharaj.

Dupigny was nominated for the coordinator of the year award for efforts in 2004 to obtain more than $1 million in funding which was used to promote a gun retrieval program and other initiatives to combat crime.

Darrin Carmichael, the chair of Trinidad and Tobago Crime Stoppers, said projects that Dupigny put in place had a considerable impact on the national community and curbed a great deal of criminal activity.

Carmichael said the tips to Crime Stoppers got some 24 illegal guns off the streets as well as leading to the seizure of $2.2 million ( U.S.) in illicit drugs, the arrests of 238 suspects and the solving of 1,055 cases.

“Given Devrol’s passion for performance, the year 2004 was an extremely successful one for our program,” Carmichael said in a written submission to the independent panel of judges who select the Coordinator of the Year from a field of candidates entered by Crime Stoppers programs around the world.

Apart from crime fighting, Dupigny assisted in raising public awareness of Crime Stoppers by organizing a rally and motorcade which distributed promotional material, including books, notepads, pencils and fridge magnets to some 40,000 residents and he also coordinated a national secondary school essay writing competition dealing with the topic of why Crime Stoppers is the best method of providing information on unsolved crime.

Dupigny’s nomination was supported by Trinidad’s assistant Commissioner of Police, Winston Cooper, and the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Cooper said Dupigny had worked tirelessly with the police service in various projects involving the young and the aged over the years and his involvement with Crime Stoppers “has afforded the institution a success rate, that so far, is unprecedented.”

Devrol Dupigny, Steve Walrath, Darrin Carmichael

“The four main awards given out annually by Crime Stoppers International are very prestigious and recognize the extraordinary efforts that people make to ensure the program operates successfully in their various communities,” said Steve Walrath of Beloit, Wisconsin, president of Crime Stoppers International.

More than 500 people from across North America and other parts of the world attended the week-long Crime Stoppers International conference in Calgary including several members of the Trinidad and Tobago Crime Stoppers program.

Devrol Dupigny, Adriana Archer, Steve Walrath, Darring Carmichael, Gary Murphy Vice President Crime Stoppers International, Audette Shepard Director Toronto Crime Stoppers, Zamanath Ali.

Walrath said there is a need for Crime Stoppers programs to join the war on terror and as the largest community based crime fighting organization in the world should play a role to allow people to anonymously report any suspicious activity.

Contact:
Cal Millar
CSI Public Relation’s Chair
(905) 270-6983
cal.millar@sympatico.ca