History

As of October 1, 2002, the Illinois State Crime Stoppers Association has entered into a two-year partnership with the United States Attorney Generals Office through a program called Project Safe Neighborhoods. This anti-crime initiative originated on May 14, 2001 when President Bush and Attorney General Ashcroft announced that while continuing to fight international terrorists, our government must also continue the fight against urban terrorists across the nation. To that end, five hundred and thirty-seven million dollars were dedicated to reduce gun violence in American cities. Other partners include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, federal and local law enforcement agencies throughout the United States.

With the approval of the ISCSA board, directors Dan Dickerson, Tim Hungate and Don Gustin applied for a portion of the grant, Community Outreach and Media Partners, through the Attorney General’s Office, Central District of Illinois. The grant request was approved and divided between Crime Stopper programs in Champaign County, Peoria, Springfield-Menard and the Quad Cities. Each program will use their money for a media campaign consisting of television, radio and print media, and enhancing rewards for the reporting of gun law violations. Also, a portion of the grant will be used by the State Association for computer equipment and for expenses related to the administration of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

The Illinois State Crime Stoppers Association hopes this partnership has an impact on gun violence in these target cities and across the nation. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, go to www.projectsafeneighborhoods.gov.