STUDENT CRIME STOPPERS

In memory of Barry Grunow.

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County has been in existence since 1981. The Adult program offers a reward of "up to $1,000" for anonymous information leading to an arrest or recovery of property/narcotics. In 1994, our Program Coordinator, Sgt. Jim DeFago, presented a new program called "Student Crime Stoppers" to our Board of Directors, with a reward of "up to $100" for any administrative action. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer-citizen organization and does not receive any local, state, or federal funding.

After the shooting of teacher Barry Grunow, Crime Stoppers organized a meeting with the Palm Beach County School District to see what could be done to prevent this from happening again. Chief of School Police, Jim Kelly, suggested an additional reward of "$500 for the recovery of firearms" and that proved to be the catalyst for our new initiative.

Since the beginning of the school year, students have helped solve 52 Cases, made 35 Arrests, recovered $100,000 in Property/Narcotics and recovered 22 weapons (including 4 loaded handguns) while remaining anonymous.

Our program was commended by John Walsh on his March 10th airing of America's Most Wanted. Students remain anonymous and that's the key. Barry's death was not in vain. Palm Beach County should be proud that 4 more shootings did NOT happen because students decided to speak out. They may be anonymous…but they care.

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