Central Alabama CrimeStoppers/WSFA TV
Montgomery
Area CrimeStoppers, local law enforcement agencies, and WSFA TV teamed up
February 28 to put a “stop” to crime in the river region area. The
“CrimeStopper/WSFA Action Line” profiled criminals wanted by law
enforcement agencies in Montgomery, Autauga, and Elmore Counties for four
hours beginning at 5pm and ending at 9pm. Investigators from Montgomery
Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Prattville Police
Department, Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, Wetumpka Police Department,
Millbrook Police Department, and Elmore County Sheriff’s Office answered
the hotline phone bank. 14 phones were used to take more than 100 tips. Of
those tips, 22 wanted criminals were arrested.
WSFA CrimeStopper Reporter, Delores Keith, profiled
wanted criminals with pictures and reports during the five and six
O’clock News. Several cases
were profiled including some unsolved murder investigations in all three
counties. During prime time coverage, mug shots of wanted criminals were
squeezed into the lower third of the screen along with the hotline number.
CrimeStopper Executive Director, Susan Moss, says the
biggest surprise came when criminals who were not profiled in the action
line went to the Montgomery County Jail and turned themselves over to
authorities. “They turned themselves in because they were afraid we
would put their picture on TV.”
All agencies involved agreed the night was a huge
success and will participate in future Action Lines. Moss says the Action
Line was a “win-win” situation for all involved. “It was a great way
for the law enforcement agencies to network, for WSFA TV to show its
commitment to the community, and for the community to take an active role
in solving crime. It was also priceless for CrimeStoppers. After weeks of
promotions and updates, it was like having a month’s worth of free
advertising that reached over 65 thousand households!”
