According to a recent report from WNDU, the South Bend Area Crime Stoppers has played an instrumental role in the arrests of 57 suspects. The line allows for tipsters to make anonymous phone calls without fear of retribution.
The local number serves 13 counties in the area crossing the state line into Michigan as well. It is said to have been in use for 27 years now.
The calls are routed directly to law enforcement, who work hard to keep the callers anonymous. Their genders aren’t even written down as the officers don’t want to jeopardize the effectiveness of the anonymous program.
An additional incentive exists for those tipsters. A $1,000 reward can be offered for those tips that lead to an arrest. So, being a community-conscious person has its perks!
While Crime Stoppers around the country have assisted prosecutors in numerous cases, anonymous tips like this can also pose a problem. The Constitution guarantees a criminal defendant the right to confront their accuser. In other words, the prosecution must have a fairly good case in addition to the tip in order for the charges to stick. Because the tipster is anonymous, there is no way for the defendant to confront them.
Despite the modern stigma associated with “snitching” or “ratting” someone out, there are people within the community that bravely step forward to bring justice to situations where they think it is warranted. If your case goes to trial, a non-anonymous witness may come forward and testify against you. This testimony can be considered evidence in the case.
Your defense attorney can introduce witnesses as well, however, calling people who will testify to your good character or people who can provide eye witness accounts substantiating your version of events.
When you are facing charges, whether they involve an anonymous tip, an eye witness, or something you were caught doing “red-handed”, speak to an attorney to discuss the details of your case.