The Hopewell-Prince George Student Crime Solvers is a program that involves students, school administration and staff, and police in the reduction and prevention of crime on school property. It offers anonymity and cash rewards to students who furnish information leading to an arrest or disciplinary action against offenders. It also offers anonymity and cash rewards to students who furnish information that prevent crimes from occurring, such as threats of violence and intimidation. The anonymity offered by Crime Solvers overcomes the fear students have of coming forward with information, and the offering of cash rewards overcomes apathy.
Student Crime Solvers involves the students at every level of the program. The students take full ownership of the program from the very start, with guidance provided by a school resource officer and/or school staff member. The program is administered by a student board of directors who have the responsibility of promoting, fundraising, and making recommendations for cash rewards.
Though each school tailors its program to fit its needs, the concept is the same. A student with information concerning a crime that has occurred, or may occur, contacts the Crime Solvers program through a tip line, designated staff member or texting a tip to 274637. The anonymous student is given a code number. The information is passed along to the school administration and possibly law enforcement, for follow-up. If the information prevents a crime from occurring or leads to an arrest, disciplinary action, or recovery of property, the student receives a cash reward for their help. Cash rewards usually range from $10 to $200.
These successful Student Crime Solvers programs reduce violence, criminalization and victimization of the student population by encouraging students to report incidents and threats of violence and other crimes that occur at school or school events. It also promotes school pride and responsibility and allows students to take an active part in their own safety.