John Walsh News Release

John Walsh Commends Student Crime Stoppers Of Palm
Beach County

Photo Credit:Craig Blankenhorn/FOX

After featuring a story about the death of two teens murdered at a Subway store in Littleton, Colorado, John Walsh reflected on the recent school shootings in San Diego. He explained how this murder in Littleton reopened some wounds of the Columbine incident, of which most were just beginning to heal.

John heard about the positive aspects of Palm Beach County's Student Crime Stoppers' program and mentioned its success at the end of his March 10th, America's Most Wanted show. John said, "Tragedies like the school shootings this week, make it seem like our kids and our schools are in chaos. But that's really not true. And for proof, we can look at the Student Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County, Florida. Since they began in 1994, this group of young tipsters has solved 43 cases, resulting in 26 arrests and the recovery of 16 weapons. We salute them and we wish them continued success. Remember, if you're a student and someone tells you they're going to kill somebody, or bring a gun to school, please, don't take it lightly. Tell somebody about it."

Shortly after the death of Palm Beach County schoolteacher Barry Grunow, Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County became proactive. In addition to the original reward of the Student Crime Stoppers' program of, "up to $100" for information about criminal activity in schools, or in students' communities, students will now be eligible for a reward of "$500 for the recovery of firearms". The Crime Stoppers Board of Directors implemented this additional reward in hopes that students will call the Student Crime Stoppers "TIPS" line, giving information about firearms while continuing to remain anonymous.

The Student Crime Stoppers program was created by this volunteer civilian Board of Directors in 1994, based on the recommendation by its founder, Program Coordinator, Sgt. Jim DeFago of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

A letter of congratulations was received from the president of Crime Stoppers International, Dr. Alan Pratt. There are nearly 1,600 programs throughout the world. Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is currently featured on WPEC-TV Channel 12, GoPBI.com, and in most newspapers throughout the county. For more information about the programs, you can go to the US Internet Technologies web page at www.StudentCrimeStopper.com, or you may call (561) 688-3964 for additional information.