The History of Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers began in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1976 with a single detective’s determination to solve a murder case that had gone cold. Detective Greg MacAleese realized that many people in the community had information, but fear of retaliation and lack of trust kept them from coming forward. To break down that barrier, he partnered with local media to reenact the crime on television and offered an anonymous phone line with a cash reward for tips.

Within just 72 hours, a tip generated from that broadcast led police to the suspects — and the Crime Stoppers movement was born.

What started as a local experiment quickly grew into a nationwide model. By the early 1980s, communities across the United States were launching their own Crime Stoppers programs, each built on the same proven formula: law enforcement, the media, and the public working together.

The idea soon spread around the world. Today, Crime Stoppers operates in more than 20 countries, giving millions of people a safe, anonymous way to share information that helps solve crimes, recover stolen property, and take dangerous criminals off the streets.

Over the years, the program has embraced new technology. In addition to 24/7 anonymous hotlines, citizens can now submit tips securely through websites, text messaging, and mobile apps — all while remaining completely anonymous.

Since its creation, Crime Stoppers programs worldwide have been responsible for:

• Hundreds of thousands of cases solved

• Billions of dollars in stolen property and drugs recovered

• Stronger partnerships between communities and their local police

Nearly 50 years later, the mission remains the same as it was on day one: empowering citizens to fight crime without fear and making communities safer for everyone.