Hi and welcome to this week's Sheriff's Corner. I'd like to talk to you, this week, about Crime Stoppers of Levy County. We've mentioned this program before but we haven't gone into the actual workings of this valuable program.
First, Crime Stoppers is not a Sheriff's Office program. It is an organization made up of everyday citizens and run by an independent 20-person board. They represent all areas of Levy County and are dedicated to helping all law enforcement solve crime in Levy County. There is a law enforcement representative that acts as a liaison between Crime Stoppers and the agency needing or receiving the help regarding their case.
The major change that has happened has to do with the calling in with information. While the number (1-877-349-TIPS (8477)) has stayed the same, the calls actually go to a service out of Canada. You are not talking to a law enforcement operator.
So when you call, you don't give your name or any personal data. You simply relay your information regarding a crime; the whereabouts of a wanted person; or the facts of a crime that has not yet been committed. You are given a code number and you remain anonymous.
When the information gets to us, it's forwarded to the investigating agency. When they use the information, then the reward recommendation is evaluated by Crime Stoppers and the reward is gotten to the assisting citizen by their number code.
Every law enforcement agency in the nation needs the help of its citizens. We in Levy County are no different. Currently, we are in the final phases of solving large numbers of burglaries and thefts in several areas of our county. This is happening with the cooperation between law enforcement agencies, citizens and officers. That you for your involvement. Take care. | 
