Prudence Gentles | Be a silent hero against crime

The board of the National Crime Prevention Fund writes to clarify issues raised in Glenn Tucker’s letter to the editor published on Monday, September 23, 2019.

First, it must be noted that Crime Stop Jamaica (CSJ) is a privately owned and funded charitable organisation that provides a confidential way for citizens to anonymously give information on all types of crime by simply calling 311. Our role is to collect tips/information and disseminate same to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which then acts upon it. Crime Stop does not investigate crimes in any way. Therefore, what happens with the actual investigation of a case is out of our domain. We do, however, follow up with the JCF to get status reports on cases.

In the Gleaner article published on September 21, to which Mr Tucker alludes, the manager was discussing police convictions. She rightly mentioned that convictions are largely based on evidence, and evidence is partly garnered through witness statements. She also spoke to the issue of witness’ apprehension to cooperate and “come in” to the police with information.

It is under this premise that Crime Stop was formed and, in fact, is part of what makes Crime Stop such a valuable crime-fighting tool. Citizens can supply tips with no fear of being identified. In our 30 years of operation, we are proud to say that we have never had a source of information compromised.

We have never, and will never, ask tipsters to come forward and identify themselves, as that is the exact opposite of what we do.

HAPPY WITH RESULTS

Second, you quoted our one-in-six success rate, insinuating that the organisation is unhappy with the tips received and the successes borne from these tips. We are happy for the results we have, as they compare favourably with international results of Crime Stoppers programmes.

However, we still try to encourage even more tips to come in to help reduce the rate of crime and garner successful arrest or recovery of contraband and stolen goods. So far this year, Crime Stop Jamaica has 110 successes from 723 tips received, 72 of which ended in an arrest and charge. Therefore, officials of the programme have little to “lament”.

Last, the suggestion for us to add “a little creativity to the information [we] get for the results [we] are seeking” does not apply. Information received is solely dependent on the source. Investigations arising from this information is solely dependent on the JCF. We do try to, however, be more creative in ways to motivate more people to give tips anonymously and create more avenues for them to give us the tips. One such example is the upcoming launch of our new platform, which is digital and completely anonymous – 311tips.com!

You stated that every gang has as at least one policeman in its membership. If you have any reliable information, we encourage you and every citizen to call 311 and leave a tip. After all, as a society, if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem. Be a silent hero! Don’t hide it, tell it. Solving crime pays!

Prudence Gentles is the manager of the National Crime Prevention Fund (Crime Stop Jamaica). Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and jacrimestop@yahoo.com.