Southwest Oklahoma Region
Southwest Oklahoma Region
In 1979, a citizen of the Lawton community came to the police station and brought with him a newspaper from Lubbock, Texas. Inside that paper was an article where the Lubbock Police Department was “Spotlighting the Crime of the Week”.
Assistant Chief of Police, Jack Partin, started researching what Crime Stoppers was and if it would be worthwhile for the Lawton community. After his research, Mr. Partin contacted the founder of the Crime Stoppers program out of Albuquerque, New Mexico and obtained further information. After speaking with the Chief of Police and Mr. Wayne Gilley, longtime mayor of Lawton, the support needed to make the program successful was found.
Mr. Bill Bentley of the Lawton Constitution presented the first check to start paying rewards. Due to this donation, Crime Line of Lawton was formed. In 1981, Crime Line of Lawton changed its’ name to Crime Stoppers of Lawton and was incorporated in May of 1981 with the Secretary of the State of Oklahoma. In 1991, Drug Busters of S.W. Oklahoma was formed and incorporated also.
The essence of Crime stoppers of Southwest Oklahoma is to bridge the gap between vigilant citizens and law enforcement. We recognize that many individuals possess invaluable information that could aid in solving crimes, but often hold back due to concerns about their safety or potential backlash. Our mission is to provide them with a secure channel.
Crime stoppers of Southwest Oklahoma offers witnesses to crimes the unique opportunity to share critical details without ever revealing their identity. While society has more observant eyes and attentive ears than any police force, the fear of retaliation or other repercussions can be a barrier. Our program dismantles that barrier.
The integrity of our system is paramount. Though Caller ID devices are a staple in today's communication, at Crime stoppers of Southwest Oklahoma, they have no place. It's essential that our community trusts in our commitment to their anonymity.
We offer rewards based on a set scale for the information to further motivate our community. Interestingly, many of our informants declined the reward. Their motivation isn't monetary gain but a genuine desire to see justice served and to do so safely and anonymously.
Through our efforts, we strive to maintain the faith of our community and ensure the credibility of our program remains untarnished. We value the courage of every citizen who steps forward and joins us in our pursuit of a safer community.
When a citizen sees suspicious activity or knows that a crime is being committed, they can call 580-355-4636.
Submit a tip online. This site allows tipsters to upload photos and message the Crime Stoppers Detective as well as check the status of the tip. This function is also completely anonymous.
Once the information has been taken, the Investigator will assign a tip number and password to the caller. This number allows the caller to check the status of the tip they provided.
The information will be investigated if it is sufficient to pursue. If an arrest is made, the caller must then call Crimestoppers again and ask about the possibility of a reward. Callers can also use the tip number assigned and the password given and check the tip status.
The caller must give their code number and may be asked questions to verify that it is the same person who called originally.
When satisfied that it is the caller that provided the information that broke the case, the investigator will provide instructions about how to collect the reward.
The caller will be instructed to go to a particular banking institution to a particular drive through window. Upon arrival at the window, the caller will merely identify himself or herself by their code number. When the teller hears the number, the teller will then send cash money through the drive through window. The caller never has to reveal their identity nor sign any receipts. The amount of the reward varies and is set up on a schedule. The reward may be split if more than one person gave key information that helped solve the case.
In 1979, a citizen of the Lawton community came to the police station and brought with him a newspaper from Lubbock, Texas. Inside that paper was an article where the Lubbock Police Department was “Spotlighting the Crime of the Week”.
Assistant Chief of Police, Jack Partin, started researching what Crime Stoppers was and if it would be worthwhile for the Lawton community. After his research, Mr. Partin contacted the founder of the Crime Stoppers program out of Albuquerque, New Mexico and obtained further information. After speaking with the Chief of Police and Mr. Wayne Gilley, longtime mayor of Lawton, the support needed to make the program successful was found.
Mr. Bill Bentley of the Lawton Constitution presented the first check to start paying rewards. Due to this donation, Crime Line of Lawton was formed. In 1981, Crime Line of Lawton changed its’ name to Crime Stoppers of Lawton and was incorporated in May of 1981 with the Secretary of the State of Oklahoma. In 1991, Drug Busters of S.W. Oklahoma was formed and incorporated also.
When a citizen sees suspicious activity or knows that a crime is being committed, they can call 580-355-4636
Submit a tip online. This site allows tipsters to upload photos and message the Crime Stoppers Detective as well as check the status of the tip. This function is also completely anonymous.
Once the information has been taken, the Investigator will assign a tip number and password to the caller. This number allows the caller to check the status of the tip they provided.
The information will be investigated if it is sufficient to pursue. If an arrest is made, the caller must then call Crimestoppers again and ask about the possibility of a reward. Callers can also use the tip number assigned and the password given and check the tip status.
The caller must give their code number and may be asked questions to verify that it is the same person who called originally.
When satisfied that it is the caller that provided the information that broke the case, the investigator will provide instructions about how to collect the reward.
The caller will be instructed to go to a particular banking institution to a particular drive through window. Upon arrival at the window, the caller will merely identify himself or herself by their code number. When the teller hears the number, the teller will then send cash money through the drive through window. The caller never has to reveal their identity nor sign any receipts. The amount of the reward varies and is set up on a schedule. The reward may be split if more than one person gave key information that helped solve the case.