Case Explained: Police chief calls Crime Stoppers ‘critical’ in solving serious crimes – DiscoverMooseJaw.com – Legal Perspective

Moose Jaw Police Service Chief Robert Davis is calling Crime Stoppers an essential resource for helping police solve everything from organized crime to homicide investigations. 

Speaking at the Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers annual general meeting Tuesday, Davis said he has seen the anonymous tip program play a vital role throughout his policing career across Canada. 

“I’ve seen it play an integral part in homicide (investigations),” Davis said. “I’ve seen it play an integral part in major organized crime investigations.” 

‘It truly is anonymous’ 

Davis said his exposure to Crime Stoppers includes work in eight jurisdictions, including a secondment with the RCMP in Ottawa, where he helped develop and teach an organized crime course. 

“But part and parcel of that organized crime course is human sources, people that want to give the police information,” he said. 

He said anonymity is often the deciding factor for people who are reluctant to speak directly with police. 

“Some are comfortable talking to the police, but it never fails that some are just, ‘I want to talk to you, I want to get this, but I just don’t trust your systems,’” Davis said. 

Davis said Crime Stoppers provides a solution. 

“Part of what we would teach people how to develop informants is talking about and explaining how Crime Stoppers works, and it truly is anonymous,” he said. 

Proven in communities of all sizes 

Davis said Crime Stoppers has proven effective in both large urban centres and remote communities. 

“If you can make Crime Stoppers work in an isolated, fly-in community, you can make it work anywhere,” he said. 

He added he is a long-time supporter of the program. 

“So, I’m a huge supporter, huge believer in it,” Davis said. “It works and it plays a huge part.” 

Improved information sharing in Moose Jaw 

Davis said he is encouraged by increased use of Crime Stoppers locally, particularly in sharing video and photographic evidence with the public. 

“If you have good video and good still photos, let’s get them out through Crime Stoppers,” he said. 

He pointed to recent cases where Crime Stoppers helped quickly circulate images. 

“We had the armed robbery at Getty Foods, and we were able to get that out through Crime Stoppers quickly,” Davis said. 

He also cited a robbery at the Grant Hall. 

“That security officer, he went above and beyond to get those images, to engage that person and to get the good quality,” Davis said. “And we got that out through Crime Stoppers.” 

He added that officers are increasingly thinking about Crime Stoppers as a tool. 

Youth involvement an idea worth exploring 

Davis floated the idea of involving youth on the Crime Stoppers board, even if only in an honorary capacity. 

“A number of jurisdictions where I’ve worked with Crime Stoppers, they’ve had almost like an honorary seat if somebody wants to sit there as a representative of youth,” he said. 

He said those youth are often students interested in law enforcement or legal careers. 

“Typically, it’s a Grade 12 student with an aptitude or interest in going into law enforcement or into the law profession,” Davis said. 

Davis said he recently visited the city’s youth advisory committee, which provided valuable insight, particularly as police services across the country struggle with recruitment. 

“It was amazing, some of the information we got from the students that were there,” he said. 

A personal connection 

Davis shared a personal story about Const. Andrew Harnett, who was killed on duty with the Calgary Police Service five years ago, noting Crime Stoppers played a role early in his career. 

“What he started volunteering with, as he started his journey towards law enforcement, was working with the Crime Stoppers board,” Davis said. 

He added that Crime Stoppers became a springboard for Harnett’s career. 

Encouraging more tips 

Davis said many Moose Jaw residents want to help keep the community safe but are unsure how to pass along information. 

He said Crime Stoppers remains a reliable option. 

“If you want to remain anonymous, it’s tested in the courts, you will remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers,” Davis said. 

Davis added the program’s success depends on continued collaboration between police, the board, media and the public. 

“Crime Stoppers functions because of the board, because of all the work you’re doing,” he said. 

Anyone with information about a crime who would like to leave an anonymous tip can call Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477), visit p3tips.com or use the P3 Tips app. If a tip leads to an arrest, callers could be eligible for a cash reward.