Crime Stoppers receives funding from Alberta government for 1st time

For the primary time ever, volunteer-led, donation-run Crime Stoppers is getting funding from the federal government of Alberta.

The province introduced Wednesday it will spend $850,000 over the subsequent three years to help Crime Stoppers’ work — $350,000 this yr and $500,000 over the subsequent two years.

Alberta Justice Minister Tyler Shandro mentioned the choice was made “heeding the recommendation” of RCMP and native police departments and chiefs.

Shandro mentioned that in 2020, Crime Stoppers’ 4 Alberta chapters dealt with 18,000 ideas which led to 400 arrests, 1,724 prices and the restoration of greater than $4 million in money, medicine and stolen property.

Till now, Crime Stoppers has relied on donations and fundraising.

The not-for-profit group began in Calgary in 1982 and asks Albertans to offer police with nameless details about crime or potential crime.

“For the primary time ever, our authorities will present Crime Stoppers with direct funding to proceed its historic work,” Shandro mentioned, including Crime Stoppers works with native police companies and likewise conducts public schooling.

1:38
Retaining criminals in line: Non-profit Crime Stoppers search money ‘ideas’ from public

Edmonton police chief Dale McFee mentioned residents are the “eyes and the ears” of the group and that “nobody is extra invested” in a group’s security and well-being than the individuals who reside there.

“Crime Stoppers is a worthwhile useful resource for the Edmonton Police Service. Due to this partnership, they’ve grow to be integral in aiding our service in fixing crimes in our communities. Their collaboration is prime to our success.”

Mark Holik, director of Alberta Crime Stoppers, mentioned the grant will present distinctive alternatives for the group.

“We’re a volunteer-led group that has, till now, solely relied on personal funding from people and companies.”

Holik mentioned Crime Stoppers will proceed to fundraise to be able to pay out tip rewards.

“We work carefully with legislation enforcement throughout the province, nonetheless, we’ve at all times been a separate entity from the police,” Holik mentioned. “Our mission is to assist remedy and stop crime by offering nameless tip reporting on-line, by way of our app or by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. We additionally present schooling and crime-specific initiatives to Alberta communities.”

1:46
Blood Tribe launches first Indigenous-led Crime Stoppers chapter in Canada