Making Cash off Criminals

One way to make some fast cash during an economic slump: turn in felony criminals!

Crime stoppers has long been known as an organization that offers cash rewards for tips that lead to an arrest or grand jury indictment for felony crimes. In a typical year they receive just over 400 tips that lead to such an arrest or conviction for Crime Stoppers of Ouachita, LA.

Record numbers of tips received in 2008 totalled 578, up 31% and a record high since 2000. Coordinator Jeff Gilbert attributes the rise in legitimate tips to the economic slump. More and more people are willing to give up those they know have comitted crimes so they can pay their rent.

Crime Stoppers, in operation in Ouachita Parish since 1984, gives rewards of up to $2,000 for tips that lead to an arrest or grand jury indictment for any felony crime. Crime Stoppers informants will not be asked to leave their names, will never go to court and all information remains confidential.

Gilbert said a tip that leads to an arrest on a failure to appear warrant could get a $100 reward, while a tip in a homicide case could merit a $2,000 tip.

"I think people are more aware of the organization, and we have done a good job of publicizing it," said Darlene Cusanza, executive director of Crime Stoppers of Greater New Orleans and president of the Louisiana Crime Stoppers Association.

"With the economy the way it is, we certainly expect an increase in tips this year," she said.


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