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About Scholastic CrimeStoppers
This
internationally recognized program allows students to provide anonymous
tips to the administration about crimes in the school. The students
receive a monetary reward from $5 to $300 if the tip proves instrumental
in solving the crime. Only about 6% of the students ever collect rewards
issued to them, while outside crime prevention programs report that
25% to 50% of people issued rewards collect them. These statistics reveal
that the motivating factor for students is rarely money. This Scholastic
Crime Stopper Program promotes school spirit, pride and responsibility
and allows students to take action against victimization and crime.
This
popular program is mostly found in high schools though elementary, junior
high and university age students are now becoming increasingly familiar
with the concept. The success of the program often depends directly
upon the support of the school administration. The more encouragement
and power the administration gives the students, the more successful
the program is likely to be.
The
program is student-operated. A board of directors composed of students
is appointed to market and advertise the program, raise funds, review
information about crimes and determine reward amounts. The members of
the board never know who the victims, witnesses or suspects are. These
identities are protected by an administrative liaison who is affiliated
with the program.
Each
school is encouraged to tailor the program to its specific needs. Logos,
mottoes, flyers, by-laws and other aspects of the program may be structured
to fit each institution.
The
students are challenged to be creative in developing the program. Some
schools have implemented CrimeStopper hot lines, billboards, contest,
video reenactments, designated Crime Stopper days and parades to disseminate
their message that crime will no longer be tolerated. The only limits
to the success of the program are those placed on it by these newly-initiated,
amateur detectives: the students and the administrators.
If
you would like more information concerning Scholastic Crime Stoppers
you can contact Susan Moss at 27-CRIME.
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