by Josiah Bruch, Outpost staff
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On the Web Check out these links to learn more about Secret Witness in the surrounding community S.W.
Lake Tahoe
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"See a crime, call the line!"
The University of Nevada police dept. is encouraging the campus community to do just that through it's new Secret Witness program.
Secret Witness led to the arrest of a suspect who may have killed University of Nevada police officer George Sullivan last year. His trial ended however, because of a mistrial. He was awarded a new trial.
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Sgt. George Sullivan's memorial
bench at UNR reminds students of his death. |
Rewards are available for those who help the Secret Witness program obtain information about a crime. University of Nevada President Joe Crowley and campus police liked the idea behind the anonymous program and welcomed it to the campus last fall.
According to the Secret Witness purpose statement, police officers can't possibly know everything that goes on in the community, and citizen participation in crime prevention is crucial. Secret Witness programs give people a 24-hour, seven day a week hotline for offering anonymous tips.
Mike Hix, a member of the Secret Witness program, and manager of Pioneer Citizens Bank in Sparks, said middle schools and UNR are now part of the non-profit, reward-based program. Secret Witness has been around the Reno area for several years, available to anyone. The program was recently expanded however, to get more people in specific communities like local schools involved. When Sullivan was murdered at UNR, Secret Witness cryed out for more publicity.
The Secret Witness Program is all over the United States, but the cities involved have their own individual staff and reward money. Members of the Secret Witness program like Mike Hix go around to local business' and get them to be a part of the community by collecting donations for the rewards. Hix said most business' he talks to are more than happy to get involved.
Channel 4 News has the "Take Back Our Streets" program which involves Secret Witness and high schools. Now, the program incorporates middle schools as well.
Channel 2 kicked-off the "Time 2 Act" program last Fall at Pine Middle School, incorporating the Secret Witness program within all middle schools.
The program teaches students that they have the right to act when they know someone is threatening violence on school grounds, and that their honesty will be rewarded.
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Courtesy of Secret Witness |
Anyone calling the Secret Witness phone number with information leading to an arrest will be paid cash for helping solve the crime, and it's completely anonymous.
Secret witness is available to the entire UNR community and the program is now being publicized more around campus. Posters were put up throughout campus buildings to get the word out.
"The program is an awesome way to get locals involved in solving crimes and providing a safer community," Hix said.
There is no risk or obligation, and callers receive cash without ever giving their name. But only if the information given leads to an arrest. Rewards are based on the value of the information given. The more valuable the information, the bigger the reward.
Posted March 30, 1999
Copyright 1999 Nevada Outpost