Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CRIME STOPPERS PROGRAMS AROUND THE WORLD HAS ADOPTED JANUARY AS CRIME STOPPERS MONTH

HARRISBURG -- (JAN. 10, 2001) --"Crime Stoppers gives every Pennsylvanian a unique opportunity to take criminals off the street and make our communities safer", said Governor Tom Ridge.

Since first being proclaimed in 1986, Crime Stoppers Month is used by programs to highlight efforts to combat crime and keep communities safe.

"The results are clear", said Colonel Paul J. Evanko, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, "Crime Stoppers works as an important investigative tool for law enforcement."

The proclamation of January as Crime Stoppers Month also allows programs to recognize the contributions of the police, the media and citizens in helping Crime Stoppers achieve the success it has in resolving crime, recovering stolen property and taking illegal drugs off the streets.

Dr. Alan Pratt, president of Crime Stoppers International, describes Crime Stoppers as a citizen operated organization developed to encourage people to provide anonymous information that helps police solve crime.

"Crime Stoppers is one of the most effective and efficient programs available to assist police in the fight against crime. It is truly a remarkable program", said Peggy Severine, State Coordinator for Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.

Severine said anonymous tips to the Crime Stoppers program during 2000 provided information that has helped solve a number of Homicides, Robberies, Sexual Assaults, Burglaries and Drug related crimes.

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