2,378 felony cases solved thanks to CrimeStoppers

» The public face of CrimeStoppers

Since its inception in 1981, CrimeStoppers Honolulu has helped clear more than 2,378 felony cases, including 26 homicides, according to the group's Web site.

Also, $3,242,981 in stolen property and $1,145,424 in illegal narcotics were seized in that time.

$123,550 in tip rewards has been authorized through the nonprofit organization, which is funded by donations. Those who call in tips to CrimeStoppers are offered a reward of up to $1,000.

CRIMESTOPPERS HONOLULU STATISTICS LAST YEAR: » 927 tips » 44 arrests » 206 cases closed » $27,030 worth of stolen property recovered » $28,795 worth of narcotics seized JANUARY TO APRIL 2007 » 313 tips » 18 arrests » 64 cases closed » $6,500 worth of stolen property recovered » $1,280 worth of narcotics seized STUDENT CRIMESTOPPERS STATISTICS LAST YEAR » 78 tips » 38 school disciplinary actions that include arrests, suspensions or detentions JANUARY TO APRIL 2007 » 35 tips » 10 school disciplinary actions » On The Web: www.crimestoppers-honolulu.org

The public knows so much about crime, said CrimeStoppers coordinator Sgt. Kim Buffett.

Making anonymous calls to the organization allows individuals to help law enforcement solve cases without the fear of retribution, Buffett said. "It gives people a sense of security that there's no retaliation."

The organization does not investigate or make arrests. Buffett said the officers and volunteers serve as the "middle person" between the public and law enforcement. Information is taken by tipsters and sent to detectives.

"CrimeStoppers has been a positive influence in solving crimes," said Lt. Bill Kato, of the Honolulu Police Department's Homicide Detail. "It's been a very helpful program."

In 1999, CrimeStoppers partnered up with the state Department of Education to form Student CrimeStoppers to reduce illegal activity on school campuses.

Tips provided by students are sent to school officials who conduct the investigation. Students are offered up to a $250 reward, up from $100 last year.

Buffett said the partnership has helped clamp down on graffiti, stolen property and drugs being sold on campus. Tips have ranged from information on switchblades at school to marijuana sales to thefts of cellular phones, iPods and teachers' purses.

"Our goal is not to make students become snitches or rats," she said. "Our goal is to make these schools safe for these kids to come to school."

In 2002, CrimeStoppers also collaborated with the Hawaiian Humane Society to form Animal CrimeStoppers, also with a tip reward of $1,000. In November, tips were made to CrimeStoppers after a pet pig named Porky was killed. Joseph B. Calarruda V, 28, was charged with felony theft of livestock.

HAVE FIVE HOURS A WEEK TO SPARE? CrimeStoppers Honolulu is always looking for volunteers to help take calls on anonymous tips. Those interested in becoming a volunteer can call 955-8300 or e-mail crimstop@hits.net. To make a donation to CrimeStoppers Honolulu, mail checks to: CrimeStoppers Honolulu Inc. P.O. Box 22375 Honolulu, HI 96823 Donations made to CrimeStoppers go toward tip rewards and office expenses.