Gretchen Hoffman
GLENDALE -- They've heard all the excuses: fear of retribution, peer
pressure or a distrust of law enforcement. Whatever the cause, a group of
volunteers wants to make sure that no one in Glendale is afraid to report
a crime.
Glendale Crime Stoppers Inc., an anonymous phone line that rewards
callers for crime tips that lead to a conviction, is how they hope to
make a difference.
Although the city consistently ranks as one of the state's top 10
safest cities, an undercurrent of organized crime does run through
Glendale, Crime Stoppers President James Pietsch said.
Some people are "frightened to death" of retribution for calling
police, and cultural experiences often lead to a distrust of law
enforcement, Pietsch said.
The theory is simple: People don't want to get involved, Pietsch said.
"If there's smoke, someone will call the Fire Department," said Rick
Barnes, who co-founded the organization. "But they won't call the police
even if they hear something going on."
The group has fielded thousands of calls and takes credit for passing
along tips to Glendale Police that prevented a home invasion robbery,
busted a methamphetamine lab and more.
The group has also installed phone lines in local schools for students
to report crime.
"The biggest problem with schools is peer pressure," Beala Neel said.
"We show them it's not bad to save your own life, or someone else's."
"It's to have a community that takes care of itself," Neel said. "If
we all help each other, we don't have to have a cop on every corner."
HOW TO HELP
* REPORT A CRIME: Call Glendale Crime Stoppers at 507-STOP with any
information about a serious crime or felony suspect. All calls remain
confidential, and a reward of up to $1,000 is available upon a suspect's
arrest.
* SUPPORT THE PROGRAM: All donations to the nonprofit Glendale Crime
Stoppers, Inc. are tax-deductible and help to stop the spread of violent
crime. Donations can be sent to:Glendale Crime Stoppers, PO Box 1545,
Glendale, CA 91209.
