HOW DID CRIME SOLVERS ORIGINATE?
Crime Stoppers began in 1976 in Albuquerque, New Mexico with a reenactment of the murder of a gas station attendant. The local media publicized the crime and an offer of a reward. Anonymous tips led to the solving of the crime.
Today, there are over 1200 individual Crime Stoppers organizations in more than 20 countries. These Crime Stopper chapters have been responsible for arresting 600,000 individuals and recovering 6 billion dollars in property and drugs. Each Crime Stopper chapter is administered by a board of directors who approve rewards, raise funds, and promote the program. Crime Stoppers' success is dependent on a 3-way partnership between citizens, local media, and police.
The Winchester / Frederick County Crime Solvers program was incorporated on April 29, 1981. The local program was the result of a survey conducted by the Chamber of Commerce (Local Affairs Committee). That survey indicated that crime was a concern of the citizens of the Winchester and Frederick County areas.