Texas Crime Stoppers Update
Crime Stoppers News From Across Texas

August 12, 2003

Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council Chairperson Janice Gillen and Council Member Tina Sellers pose with outgoing Council Member Tom Dunn at a recent Lufkin Crime Stoppers meeting.

Tom Dunn Leaves Crime Stoppers Advisory Council as Term Expires

The term of long-time Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council member Tom Dunn of Lufkin, Texas has expired.  Mr. Dunn was first appointed to the council in 1995 and served continuously until April this year.  He twice served as council vice chair.

Tom became interested in crime stoppers back in the early 1980’s as a result of his close friend Don Geen, who was the crime stoppers police coordinator in Beaumont, Texas.  Geen sold Tom and later other Lufkin residents on the merits of the program and in September 1983, Lufkin had its own crime stoppers program.  Tom has been a continuous board member since and served as president from 1983 to 1994.  Mr. Dunn has been recognized many times for his contributions to crime stoppers and on July 23, 2003 was presented a certificate from Governor Rick Perry which reads:
To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings: Know ye, that this certificate is presented to: Tom Dunn

Congratulations on your exemplary service to the Lone Star State.

Your diligence and commitment to excellence have served our state well. Texas matters most, and the commendable service of Texans dedicated to making a difference is invaluable in our quest to build the strongest possible foundation for the Texas of tomorrow.

Anita joins me in extending our best wishes for the future.
Tom’s vocation is banking and financial advice.  He worked at a Lufkin bank for 17 years, including 10 as bank president, and is currently an advisor with UBS Financial Services.  Tom also served on the Crime Stoppers International board as regional representative from 1983 to 1994.  Although no longer a council member, Tom will remain an active crime stopper with the Lufkin board. 

Tom says what thrills him the most about crime stoppers is when he attends a monthly board meeting and the coordinator reports that they have received 30 calls this month.  “That’s what it’s all about,” he said, “Making that phone ring”.  He says that the future of crime stoppers in Texas hinges on continuity and enthusiasm from the top down.

On behalf of all Texas crime stoppers, thank you Tom Dunn.


CRIME STOPPERS GRANT APPLICATION HELP IS AVAILABLE

The Crime Stoppers Assistance Fund grant application, available at http://www.governor.state.tx.us, is a new form being used in the Criminal Justice Division this year for all grant applications. Because it is new to local crime stoppers, it may look intimidating. Don't give up before you ask for assistance! There are grant funds available for hotlines, coordinators' phones, computer hardware and software, and other communication needs. The Criminal Justice Division is providing help to local programs to work through any problem areas in the forms. The key point to remember is that you cannot fill out the forms on the Governor's Web page--you must download the forms to your own computer before working on them.

Heather Morgan, CJD's grant tracking systems administrator, is available to walk you through the forms by phone. Call her between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for assistance at 512-475-2594 or e-mail to hmorgan@governor.state.tx.us. You also can visit your regional council of governments (COG) to ask for assistance from the criminal justice coordinator; the COGs have been using the grant application kit for several months now and are experienced at filling out the forms. The applications must be submitted to CJD by August 29, 2003.


Changes To The Texas Administrative Code Sections Relevant To Crime Stoppers Program Certification

Final Version Available Click here.

At its quarterly meeting August 1 in Houston, the Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council unanimously amended the Texas Administrative Code's certification rules for crime stopper programs.

The Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council will provide revised "Conditions of Certification" and "Conditions of Re-Certification" forms within the next few weeks. Meanwhile, any program in the process of finalizing re-certification documents can use the current forms.


FAQs

Q: Is it an acceptable practice to transfer unclaimed rewards into our operating account under the assumption the informant donated the money as a “gift”?
 
A: No. It is not acceptable to consider this money a gift from the person because the program cannot produce documentation regarding the identity of the donor for the Internal Revenue Service or documentation from the informant relinquishing his/her right to the money. Return the money to your reward account. Texas Government Code Section 414.010 specifically outlines the purpose of court generated fees and reward accounts. The statute does not contain a provision for “gifts” from anonymous informants.

Q: Can a board member be paid by a crime stoppers program for his/her work?
 
A: According to the Texas Business Corporation Act, Article 2.35-1 “Interested Directors”, a board member may be paid for her/his work for the corporation if the board is aware of and approves the transaction.  We recommend the board try and secure free or “donated” services or find an alternate service provider.  This avoids the appearance of impropriety and possible conflict of interest.

Q: Where can I get help with the certification process?

A: Contact the Institute for Criminal Justice Studies mh39@swt.edu.

Q: Can I get certification training credit by viewing the Texas Crime Stoppers Training Videos?

A: No.  Although the videos are very helpful they do not qualify as recognized crime stoppers training for purposes of certification or recertification.

Q: Can I use drug seizure funds for my crime stoppers program?

A: Yes, you may.  Your local law enforcement agency can use the money for law enforcement purposes such as paying the coordinator’s telephone bill or purchasing equipment for the crime stoppers office.  Contact your local district attorney for his/her opinion.

Q: Can I get access to unclaimed property held by my police department for crime stoppers use?

A. Check with your police and sheriff’s departments to determine if property you can use for your program is transferable prior to auction.


Change in the Works for Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council Statistical Reports

Effective with the third quarter 2003 report, the TCSAC statistical report forms will be submitted to the Public Policy Research Institute at Texas A&M University. Watch for additional information and details as they become available.


CERTIFICATION EXPIRING FOR 13 PROGRAMS

On October 22, 2003, certification expires for 13 crime stoppers programs.  These programs must submit their re-certification packages to Texas Crime Stoppers Director Betty Bosarge prior to September 29, 2003. The Advisory Council will meet October 6 at the 9th Annual Texas Campus Crime Stoppers Conference in Dallas to review programs requesting certification and re-certification.  Programs that allow certification to lapse will lose their ability to obtain court and restitution fees for the payment of rewards.

Programs that need to renew certification on October 6 are:  Lampasas County, Waco, Lavaca County, Willacy County, Titus County, Texas State Technical College, Hallsville High School, Southwest Texas State University, United ISD, El Paso, Sulphur Springs/Hopkins County, San Angelo, and Anderson County.

"Conditions of Re-Certification" forms are available to be downloaded (click here).  Send the completed re-certification package to: Betty B. Bosarge, Director, Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council, Criminal Justice Division, Office of the Governor, Post Office Box 12428, Austin, Texas 78711.  Phone: 512-463-1784.  Fax: 512-475-1467. E-mail: bbosarge@governor.state.tx.us. 


Basic Crime Stoppers Course - December 2-3, 2003

Dallas Omni Park West

This is the only time this course is presented during the 2004 fiscal year (September 1, 2003 – August 31, 2004).

For brochure and printed registration form click here.

Crime Stoppers Internet Course Under Development

The Institute for Criminal Justice Studies is currently researching and developing the Basic Crime Stoppers Course for Internet use. Detailed scripts, pictures, and video clips are on the drawing board.


TEXAS’ BEST
CAMPUS AWARD NOMINATIONS
*** Due September 8, 2003 ***

For award package click Word or PDF.



9th Annual Campus Conference
The Greater Dallas Crime Commission is hosting this year’s annual campus conference. The event is scheduled October 6-8, 2003, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel downtown.  The Adam’s Mark is the largest hotel in Texas with 1,842 rooms and the largest ballroom in the southwestern United States. Training, recognition, networking, and after-hours fun are conference features. The Mall of Las Americas is attached to the hotel for shoppers and the State Fair of Texas is a short ride away for thrill-seekers. Plan on attending this year’s Texas’ best conference and register now.

Click here for details.


NEW FOR 2003 CAMPUS CONFERENCE

Poster Contest
To participate bring a three by four foot poster and an 8 1/2 x 11 inch duplicate depicting why a school should have a campus crime stoppers program. 
Submit the poster at the conference check-in desk.  Ensure that submitter’s name and contact information are on the back of the poster and duplicate.  Conference attendees will vote on poster submissions.  Individuals or programs may enter.  All entries become the property of Texas Crime Stoppers.

Campus Crime Stoppers Ambassadors
Texas Crime Stoppers is looking for four Texas campus crime stoppers student board members to represent Texas programs. In addition to performing special duties at the 10th annual campus crime stoppers conference, ambassadors will provide input to the planning process for the 10th annual conference at a weekend meeting in November or December 2003 in Austin.  If you wish to be considered, at the conference check-in desk, turn in a 100-word essay stating why you would make a great crime stoppers ambassador, along with an endorsement from your sponsor.  Eligible candidates must have: an email address that is checked regularly, passing grades under the UIL guidelines, and include a school photograph of themselves. Candidates are required to read their essay to a group of conference attendees.

And Don’t Forget:
Traveling Trophy
A panel of judges chooses a campus crime stoppers program from among the conference attendees who demonstrate the best combination of deportment, participation, and teamwork at the conference.


Web Directory Gets New Look

The directory contains contact information for every crime stoppers program in Texas.
Click here to view the directory map.


Certification

The Texas Crime Stoppers Advisory Council met in Laredo, Texas, May 19, 2003 and approved initial certification for the Killeen Independent School District.  The council re-certified the following crime stoppers programs: Amarillo, Aransas County, Atascosa County, Bay Area, Baytown, Beaumont, Big Spring/Howard County, Brazos County, Brownsville, Capital Area, Colorado County, Falls County, Gregg County, Hood County, Jefferson County, Kerr County, Medina County, Milam County, Parmer County, Robertson County, San Jacinto County, Texarkana Area, Tyler-Smith County, Upshur County, and Waller County.
The council met again in Houston, Texas, August 1, 2003 and approved initial certification for Crime Prevention Resource Center, Fort Worth.  And, recertified Burnet County, Calhoun County, Chambers County, La Marque, Marshall-Harrison County, Montgomery County, Nacogdoches, Pharr, Polk County, Red River County, Swisher County, and Wilson County.


Government Code Amendment Protects Texas Crime Stoppers

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1.  Section 414.008, Government Code, is amended to read as follows:
Sec. 414.008.  PRIVILEGED INFORMATION.  (a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, evidence [Evidence ] of a communication between a person submitting a report of a criminal act to the council or a crime stoppers organization and the person who accepted the report on behalf of the council or organization is not admissible in a court or an administrative proceeding.
    (b) Records of the council or a crime stoppers organization concerning a report of criminal activity may not be compelled to be produced before a court or other tribunal except on a[the ] motion :(1)  filed in a criminal trial court by [of ] a [ criminal ] defendant who alleges [to the court in which the offense is being tried ] that the records or report contains evidence that is exculpatory to the defendant in the trial of that offense ; or (2)  filed in a civil case by a plaintiff who alleges that denial of access to the records concerning the report of criminal activity abrogates any part of a cognizable common law cause of action, if the plaintiff alleging abrogation: (A)  was charged with or convicted of a criminal offense based at least partially on the report and the charges were dismissed, the plaintiff was acquitted, or the conviction was overturned, as applicable;  and (B) in the motion establishes a prima facie case that the plaintiff's abrogated claim is based on injuries from the criminal charge or conviction caused by the wrongful acts of another performed in connection with the report .
    (c) On motion of a movant [defendant ] under Subsection (b), the court may subpoena the records or report.  The court shall conduct an in camera inspection of materials produced under subpoena to determine whether the materials contain :(1) evidence that is exculpatory to the defendant ; or (2)  information necessary to a plaintiff as described by Subsection (b)(2) .
    (d) If the court determines that the materials produced contain evidence that is exculpatory to the defendant or information necessary to a plaintiff as described by Subsection (b)(2), the court shall present the evidence to the movant [defendant ] in a form that does not disclose the identity of the person who was the source of the evidence, unless the state or federal constitution requires the disclosure of that person's identity.  The court shall execute an affidavit accompanying the disclosed materials swearing that, in the opinion of the court, the materials disclosed represent the [ exculpatory ] evidence the movant [defendant ] is entitled to receive under this section.
    (e) The court shall return to the council or crime stoppers organization the materials that are produced under this section but not disclosed to the movant [defendant ].  The council or crime stoppers organization shall store the materials at least until the first anniversary of the following appropriate date: (1) [until the conclusion of the criminal trial and ] the date of expiration of the time for all direct appeals in a criminal [the ] case ; or (2)  the date a plaintiff's right to appeal in a civil case is exhausted .
    SECTION 2.  Chapter 414, Government Code, is amended by adding  Section 414.013 to read as follows:  Sec. 414.013. IMMUNITY FROM CIVIL LIABILITY. (a) A person who communicates to the council or a crime stoppers organization a report of criminal activity that leads to the arrest of, the filing of charges against, or the conviction of a person for a criminal offense, is immune from civil liability for damages resulting from the communication unless the communication was intentionally willfully or wantonly negligent, or done with conscious indifference or reckless disregard for the safety of others.
    (b) A person who in the course and scope of the person’s duties or functions receives, forwards, or acts on a report of criminal activity communicated to the council or a crime stoppers organization is immune from civil liability for damages resulting from an act or omission in the performance of the person’s duties or functions unless the act or omission was intentional, willfully or wantonly negligent, or done with conscious indifference or reckless disregard for the safety of others.
    SECTION 3.  (a) This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.
     (b) The change in law made by this Act applies only to a civil cause of action that is filed on or after September 1, 2003, regardless of when the alleged wrongful conduct giving rise to the cause of action occurred.  An action that was filed before the effective date of this Act is governed by the law applicable to the action at the time the action was filed, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.


Crime Stoppers Get Major Media Attention

Texas Crime Stoppers legal instructor Judge Richard Carter is interviewed in the July 2003 issue of Good Housekeeping magazine in an article titled, "Would You Risk Your Life To Save a Stranger?” While the article focuses on such citizen crime watch programs as Amber Alert, it recognizes the important role crime stoppers programs nationwide play in leading to the arrests of murderers, kidnappers, and fugitives.  The article is interesting reading and worth passing on to relatives and friends who do not understand the effectiveness of crime stoppers.
Share your similar story with Texas crime stoppers GLØ2@swt.edu


“If I Die 2Morow” Keeping Kids Safe at School

Kim Ogg, Crime Stoppers of Houston's executive director, has written an exceptional piece recently featured in the Texas State Bar Journal. The article concerns school safety and the ability of campus crime stoppers to help prevent violence in school. Local crime stoppers programs might find it useful to distribute the article in an attempt to establish campus programs. For the full text click here.


Boating Accident Re-enactment

An unsolved crime of a hit and run boating accident has Texas Parks and Wildlife and Burnet County Crime Stoppers looking for new leads with a re-enactment of the fatal accident. If you have any information on this or any other crime, call crime stoppers at 1-800-252-8477.

For more information and a link to a media player, you can visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's website here.

To view the reenactment click on your connection speed.

56K /150K /256K DSL/Cable
Share your similar story with Texas crime stoppers GLØ2@swt.edu


Texas Crime Stoppers Videos

The three-part set can now be viewed on-line.

Click here to view the videos.


Institute for Criminal Justice Studies
Texas Crime Stoppers Training
Institute for Criminal Justice Studies
Southwest Texas State University
West Campus - Canyon Hall
San Marcos, Texas 78666
Toll Free 866-220-4357, 512-245-0571
Fax 512-245-2851
 Director
George Landry
Texas Crime Stoppers Training
Coordinator
Colin Ashburn
Office Manager
Maggie Hutchins
Student Worker
Vanessa Gonzales