As Crime Stoppers USA marks its 50th anniversary this year, Warren County’s local chapter is reflecting on decades of helping law enforcement solve crimes while working to expand its impact in the community.

The Crime Stoppers program began in New Mexico in 1976 and quickly spread nationwide. Shortly after its creation, a group of local business owners established Warren County Crime Stoppers to ensure police agencies in the county had a steady flow of information from the public.

Since then, the organization has supported efforts to recover stolen property, combat illegal drug activity and reinforce the message that Warren County is not a place where criminals can operate freely. Nationally, Crime Stoppers programs have led to 782,932 arrests and the clearance of 1,161,118 cases, according to Crime Stoppers USA.

The program allows residents to submit anonymous tips that may help law enforcement make arrests. Tipsters can call 1-800-83-CRIME, where they are assigned a caller identification number to protect their identity.

The tip is then sent to the Warren County Crime Stoppers coordinator, Sgt. Joe Bees of the City of Warren Police Department, who distributes the information to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

If a tip proves useful, the coordinator evaluates it based on several factors, including the severity of the crime and the personal risk taken by the tipster. The coordinator then recommends a reward amount to the Crime Stoppers board, which can approve payments of up to $2,000. The board discusses and votes on the recommendation before authorizing payment.

Once approved, the bank issues a check made out to the caller’s identification number. The tipster can then arrange to pick up and cash the check with no questions asked, maintaining complete anonymity.

“This gives the public a safe way to help law enforcement,” said Warren County Crime Stoppers President Jeff Walters.

Warren County Crime Stoppers is funded by private citizens, local businesses and community fundraising events. The cash rewards are designed to encourage residents to share information that helps solve crimes, recover property and keep the community safe.

The local program was briefly inactive during the COVID-19 pandemic but saw renewed activity in January 2023

According to Walters, the organization met all of its goals for 2025. Those accomplishments included restoring the 1-800-83-CRIME tip line, expanding its board and hosting a successful fundraiser through the annual Steer Dump at the Warren County Fair.

Looking ahead, the group has several priorities for 2026, including assisting law enforcement in solving cold cases in Warren County, maintaining a presence at community events such as the Downtown Warren Ribfest and the Warren County Fair, selling out tickets for the Steer Dump fundraiser with a goal of 1,000 tickets sold and distributing cash rewards for tips that lead to arrests or case closures.

Warren County Crime Stoppers currently has around 15 members, and the group meets monthly to coordinate its efforts and review tips.

“We have worked hard to get back up and running,” said Walters. “It’s important that people know the program is active again.”

Crime Stoppers creates a partnership between the community, local business and law enforcement to help keep Warren County safe.