History of Crime Stoppers in Gage County

Crime Stoppers of Gage County, Inc. was formed in 1988 by a group of business men and women along with representatives of area law enforcement agencies. Early in the program information had been received which resulted in the clearing of a crime. The program did not yet have any funds in the treasury, so the attending board members pitched in money from their own pockets for a cash reward.

Below is the logo first used by the Gage County Crime Stoppers program. It was submitted by a student as part of a contest. Unfortunately, no record was kept as to the artist other that the name "H. Hart" written near the handle on the magnifying glass.

Since 1988 the Board of Directors has met monthly to be updated on calls received, approve reward recommendations, and develop ways to make the Crime Stoppers program well known. Board members donate their time and talents to help with the fight against crime. Each law enforcement agency in Gage County appoints a liaison to attend the meetings.

The Crime Stoppers program is not a government funded program, but instead relies on donations from area service clubs, and an annual fundraiser dinner. All funds are used to pay operating costs, postage for flyers, phone service, and rewards.
 

Nationally, the Crime Stoppers program has existed since 1976. In July 1976, a university student was killed during a gas station robbery in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Six weeks of investigation revealed few leads. Detective Greg MacAleese thought if the public saw a reenactment of the crime on television, this might jog someone’s memory and they would call in. Within 72 hours of the reenactment being aired, two men were arrested as a result of a tip.

Since the Crime Stoppers program started in 1976, there are now more than 950 Crime Stoppers programs world wide. More than 425,000 crimes have been solved with over $2.9 billion worth of stolen property recovered or drugs seized.