How it Works

SWFL Crime Stoppers is NOT a substitute for calling 9-1-1. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Those who submit a tip are called "tipsters" and will remain 100% anonymous.

No caller ID.

No recorded lines.

No tracking of phone calls.

We want your information, not your name!

Put simply it is a three part approach to solving the crime problem. SWFL Crime Stoppers relies on cooperation between our community, the media, and law enforcement to provide a flow of information about crime, wanted fugitives and suspicious activities.

3 Ways To Submit A Tip

Phone

Tipsters can call our 24-hour call center at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). A tip ID number will be provided to you once your information regarding a crime has been entered in the system.

Online

Tips can be submitted online by clicking the "Submit a Tip" button. Please provide as much detailed information on the form. You will be able to upload photos, videos, documents and audio files. Please be sure to save your tip ID number and password. These numbers are the only way for us to identify you are the one who submitted the tip.

Mobile

Tipsters have the option of sending an anonymous tip from their mobile phone using our P3 Tips mobile app. You can download the P3 Tips app by clicking the "Mobile App" button at the top of this page. As with online tips, mobile tips are completely secure and anonymous. Once the tips is sent through the app, the tipster will automatically receive a tip ID number so they will be able to add additional information to the original tip, as needed. SWFL Crime Stoppers will be able to dialog with the tipster regarding their tip. Tipsters can also upload photos, videos and audio files to their tip.

Structure and Funding of Crime Stoppers

SWFL Crime Stoppers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A volunteer Board of Directors provides direction as to the financial and promotional activities of the program. The Board of Directors enhances the community involvement aspect, and its function is vital to the program's success.

SWFL Crime Stoppers is funded by private donations and fundraising. NO TAX DOLLARS are involved. The reward money paid out by the program is from the fundraising and donations from concerned citizens and businesses. Please make a tax deductible donation by clicking Support Us.

A community Board of Directors, made up of persons from throughout the Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades area, meet on a monthly basis to evaluate arrests and to decide on reward amounts to be paid. Rewards are then distributed in a private manner to the tipsters providing their tip ID number. Tipsters are eligible for a cash reward of up to $3,000 if their tip leads to an arrest.

Does Crime Stoppers Work?

The answer is quite simply YES! Since the start of Crime Stoppers, many calls have been received resulting in thousands of arrests and recovery of substantial amounts of property. Calls have included information about murder, robbery, rape, assaults, drugs and firearm offenses.

The success of a Crime Stoppers program cannot be purely judged on statistics; however, other benefits have come to notice:

A greater awareness in the community that there is a crime problem.
A willingness by the community to fight back against crime if it is given the opportunity and motivation.
Improved relationships between police, media, and the community.

Crime Stoppers is definitely here to stay. It has been accepted by law enforcement as a valid and effective investigative tool and the public, through its overwhelming response, appears to have accepted it as a more palatable alternative to traditional methods of giving information.