FAQ's
What happens when I submit a tip?
The Crime Stoppers hotline, mobile app, and website are operated and monitored by the Executive Director. When the Director is not in the office, a 24-hour call center, staffed by trained personnel, takes calls and forward the tips to the appropriate Crime Stoppers program. The Director reviews the tips and ensures that the tipsters are anonymous and then disseminates the tip information to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation. Each caller will receive a tip number to be used in all future correspondence. Every tipster remains ANONYMOUS; callers do not have to identify themselves. A reward of up to $1,000 will be offered to anyone who provides a tip that leads to an arrest for a crime or a criminal case cleared.
Who Governs Crime Stoppers?
A volunteer Board of Directors governs Crime Stoppers of Midland, Inc. The Directors are comprised of diverse, active, and dedicated civilian volunteers. Currently, we have fifteen Directors, six Advisory members, and three law enforcement Coordinators who represent the Midland County Sheriff's Office, the Midland Police Department, and the Midland ISD Police Department.
Is Crime Stoppers a department of the Sheriff's Office or Police Department?
No, Crime Stoppers is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization that partners with local law enforcement to fight crime and help keep Midland safe. While we are not a department or division of a law enforcement agency, all crime stopper tips are forward to the appropriate law enforcement for investigation.
Am I Really Anonymous?
We never ask your name and we do not have caller ID. Each tipster is given a unique ID number and password that the tipster can use to check the status of a tip, add more information, or claim a reward.
Crime Stopper tips are protected by law. TX Govt Code Chapter 414
What Can I Report?
Crimes that can be reported include but are not limited to:• Animal Cruelty• Arson• Assaultive Offenses• Burglary/Robbery/Theft• Child Abuse• Domestic Violence• Elder Abuse• Fraud/Forgery• Motion to Revoke Probation or Parole Violation Warrants Murder/Homicide• Sex Crimes• Terroristic Threats
Campus Crime Stoppers... What Can Students Report?
Students can report crimes that have occurred or are planned to occur on a school campus or bus. Student tipsters remain anonymous and could receive a reward dependent on the offense and severity. We pay $500 for a gun reported and recovered on campus. • Campus-based crimes include but are not limited to:• Abuse• Bullying• Burglary/Robbery/Theft• Drugs• E-Cigarettes• Gang Activity• Harassment• Teen Dating Violence• Threats• Self-Harm• Sexual Misconduct• Vandalism• Weapons
or any suspicious activity.
What type of cases can Crime Stoppers offer a reward on?
• Cases that will result in a felony charge being filed on a suspect(s) in a specific case• Felony fugitive cases• Animal Cruelty• Child Abuse• Domestic Violence• Misdemeanor cases or warrants submitted by law enforcement
How Can I Get Crime Stoppers Involved in My Case?
• Ask the investigator assigned to your case if they think a Crime Stoppers reward would help.• If they say yes, ask them if they would submit a media release to Crime Stoppers of Midland to feature on their website and social media in an attempt to generate tips.
Why would law enforcement NOT want help from Crime Stoppers?
• They would like to exhaust existing leads first• They have a suspect in mind and don't want to drive them further into hiding
Can Crime Stoppers offer a reward if law enforcement does not provide a media release?
No, Crime Stoppers works hand in hand with law enforcement and the community. Releasing information that has not been approved could jeopardize the case and future prosecution.
Will Crime Stoppers pay a reward if law enforcement does not provide a media release?
Yes, if a tipster provides information to Crime Stoppers via the tip line, mobile app or website that results in the charging and/or arrest of the felony or misdemeanor suspect.
Does Crime Stoppers hold rewards until a conviction has been made?
No, Crime Stoppers will pay a reward if the suspect has been charged and/or arrested in a felony or misdemeanor case. We don't want a tipster to be penalized if the charges are dropped, the suspect makes a plea for a lesser crime or gets probation.
Can I add money to the Crime Stoppers reward?
Yes, this is called a supplemental reward. To make a supplemental reward, a media release from law enforcement must be received. In addition, a supplemental reward agreement and the funds to secure the reward prior to announcing the higher reward . You can contact the office at 432-684-9884 to get more information on the procedure.
What does Crime Stoppers need if I want to offer a supplemental reward?
• A media release from law enforcement• A supplemental reward agreement and the funds to secure the reward
Can I go to the media and offer a reward out of my pocket without Crime Stoppers and/or law enforcement?
We do strongly suggest that rewards be coordinated with Crime Stoppers to protect you from unscrupulous and/or dangerous individuals. We have everything in place to pay a tipster that maintains their anonymity and keeps you safe.
How do I know if I am eligible to receive a reward?
For reward eligibility, you MUST report your tip directly to Crime Stoppers via the hotline, website, or mobile app. The tip must lead to an arrest and/or case solved. Other avenues of reporting wanted suspects or other criminal information will not ensure reward eligibility.
To check the status of your tip, go to www.p3tips.com or use the mobile app P3 TIPS and enter your Crime Stoppers ID number and password. Or you may call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 432-694-TIPS (8477). Please have your tip number ready as no information will be provided to you without it.
Unfortunately, if you reach the answering service, they will not be able to give a status of a tip. However, if it is available, the Executive Director will provide a status, or provide reward instructions if eligible.
How do I collect my reward?
After it is determined that you are eligible for a reward, the Executive Director will provide you with instructions for collecting your reward from a local bank. You will be issued an ID number and a code word. This information will have to match the envelope that the bank will have reserved for that tip. You will not need to provide personal identification to the bank; you will be receiving cash.
How long do I have to pick up my reward?
If the tipster does not pick up the reward in a timely manner, it will be kept in the unclaimed reward fund for one year. After a year, the funds will expire and go back into the general reward fund.
Who is Not Eligible for a Reward
The following persons are not eligible for a reward:1. Commissioned law enforcement officer and/or members of their immediate family;2. The crime’s perpetrator or co-perpetrator;3. The victim and/or his immediate family;4. The fugitive;5. Law enforcement informants funneled into the program;6. Board members, and Crime Stoppers staff.