Global scheme ensuring crime tipsters’ anonymity launched in PH

MANILA, Philippines — Crime Stoppers International (CSI), a global crime prevention scheme that would guarantee the anonymity of people reporting criminal activities, was formally launched during the Anti-Crime Summit held in Mandaluyong on Saturday.

CSI aims to prevent crime by deploying tipsters or volunteers who will report suspicious acts in their area without disclosing their identities.

It’s very important to guarantee anonymity because once the identity of the tipster leaks out then he or she would back out from saying anything, according to Jesus Arranza, chairman of Federation of the Philippine Industries.

The CIS would also formalize the cooperation between media, police and the community in crime prevention, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, said on the sidelines of the Anti-Crime Summit.

According to Eleazar, Mandaluyong was chosen as the launch sitefor CSI in the Philippines because that city is the biggest contributor in lowering the incidence of crime in Metro Manila by 58%.

Col. Remegio Sedanto, chief of the Mandaluyong City Police Station, said the program was already operational in 26 countries.

“I am happy to announce the Mandaluyong City will be pioneering the said program in the philippines the program will be a crucial partner by our stakeholders,” Sedanto said during his speech at the Anti-Crime Summit.

CSI was founded by retired Police Capt. Greg MacAleese in 1976 in New Mexico, Albuquerque. The program is committed to keep the streets safe and curb crimes.

Role of media

In a video presented during the Anti-Crime Summit, MacAleese noted the crucial part of media in reporting crime and fugitives.

“The tips that are coming in, they investigate them and then they are responsible for selecting each week unsolved cases that are featured in the media,” McAleese said.

“They also will select one in features that will be selected in the media so that they can get information that would lead to the arrest of the individuals,” he added.

Aside from the media, a board of directors must be formed to organize the rules and regulations for the program.

“The board comprises citizens in the community. They are responsible for making up rules and regulations of the program,” he said.

/atm