The Dickinson Police Department is dusting off an old tool in an effort to solve cases, and Stark County residents could actually make a little money off of it.
Badlands Crime Stoppers is making a comeback to help the Dickinson Police Department solve crimes.
“Our department identified a need that tips could just enhance our ability to close cases,” said Lt. Mike Hanel, Dickinson Police Department.
The lieutenant said unlike other anonymous tips lines, Crime Stoppers offers tipsters monetary incentive- that can range from a few bucks to a $1,000.
“Some people are driven by a civic duty, and other people may need that extra nudge . . sometimes all it takes is that monetary incentive,” said Lt. Hanel.
To leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers you can call, text, or e -mail your information in, and it will be documented by a dispatcher at the Dickinson Police Department.
“At that time a pin number will be assigned to the tipster, so they have a reference number that they can use when they call back in,” said Det. Kylan Klauzer, Dickinson Police Department.
Badlands Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization made up of local residents, and they will distribute rewards for tips that primary lead to arrest and/or convictions in Stark County.
“Its important for our community to know that’s our primary mission, ” said Det. Klauzer.
The detective also said that tipsters will be able to pick up their rewards at financial institutions with the pin number that was assigned to them, so they can maintain their anonymity.
Crime Stoppers has been part of Dickinson since 1985, but has been in hibernation for the last ten years, and Lt. Hanel said the program would useful in solving cases where there is no witness or the person’s identity was concealed
“By introducing Crime Stoppers, it may be the last piece to the puzzle in those cases.”
Crime Stoppers is currently up and running, and it hopes it can help the police department solve crimes along with assistance from you.
It is a non-profit organization, and the group’s main source of funding comes from donations.
So far, they have about $10,000.
Badlanda Crime Stoppers tip line:
Main: (701) 456-7754
Text: (701) 840-6108
Email: badlandscrimestoppers@gmail.com
