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HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR112818CrimeStoppersKauaiBERNARD P. CARVALHO JR. Mayor COUNTY OF KAUA'I KAUA`I POLICE DEPARTMENT News Release For Immediate Release: November 28, 2018 WALLACE G. REZENTES JR. Managing Director MICHAEL CONTRADES, ACTING CHIEF Tel (808) 241-1600 Fax (808) 241-1604 Crime Stoppers helps to make Kauai safer for all LIHU`E — Kaua`i police often look to the public for information that may lead to an arrest of an unsolved crime. However, many people are often fearful or reluctant to get involved. That's why the Kauai Police Department strongly believes in Crime Stoppers Kauai, Inc. — a program that allows callers to submit tips on criminal activity with complete anonymity. "The Crime Stoppers program has been on Kauai for many years thanks to a great partnership between the Kauai Chamber of Commerce, Visitor Aloha Society of Kauai, and the Kauai Police Department," said Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce. "We are very grateful for this partnership as the program has helped to provide leads to many investigations. And we're happy to announce that the program has recently been incorporated, with a seven -body Board of Directors to help further our efforts to fight crime on Kaua`i." As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Crime Stoppers Kauai strives to build an ongoing partnership between citizens, the media, and law enforcement in order to battle crime and make the community safe for kupuna, keiki, and all `ohana on Kauai. Serving on its volunteer Board of Directors are President Ron Wiley, Vice President Anita Applegate, Secretary Shawn Shimabukuro, Treasurer Tess Shimabukuro, and directors Ale Quibilan, Theresa Koki, and Mia Shiraishi. "Over my almost 30 years at KONG radio, I have received phone calls reporting what folks thought might be a crime," said Ron Wiley, radio personality at KONG and current president of Crime Stoppers Kauai. "I encouraged those folks to call our Kaua'i police, but I know that most did not because they didn't want to be identified." "We believe that witnesses to crimes — who have no fear of reprisal or further involvement, and who might be rewarded with cash — are truly invaluable," continued Wiley. "That's why Crime Stoppers Kauai was formed. We want to encourage involvement of community members, while protecting their anonymity." Anyone with information on an open criminal investigation or other criminal or suspicious activity can call the Crime Stoppers Kauai number, 246-8300. "The caller is then directed to either a pre -scripted message line or if available Ms. Jessica Fletcher, KPD's acting Crime Stoppers Coordinator, who has been instrumental in facilitating and organizing the program," said Assistant Chief Ponce. "Jessica plays a key role and provides pertinent information needed in order to help the Board and KPD make sound decisions. Additionally, Laura Wiley is also essential in the program's success as she is a dedicated volunteer and assists with various needs." When calling Crime Stoppers, the police coordinator will ask for the following information: type of illegal activity, location of activity, date and time of incident, and description of suspect and/or suspect's vehicle. Calls are kept anonymous and callers are given a tracking tip number to help identify the caller and related incident. The caller is then advised to call back to check the status of the tip that was given. If the information received from the caller was valid and an arrest was made, the caller could receive a reward of up to $1,000. "Crime Stoppers Kaua'i is made possible only through the hard work and dedication of community volunteers," said Assistant Chief Ponce. "All monetary rewards are donated by members of the public, businesses or other private entities. These volunteers are truly doing us a service by helping to deter criminal acts and solve ongoing investigations." Pictured above is Crime Stoppers Kaua`i's Board of Directors. From left to right: (Front Row) President Ron Wiley, Treasurer Tess Shimabukuro, and Vice President Anita Applegate. (Back Row) KPD Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce, Board Member Mia Shiraishi, Board Member Ale Quibilan, Board Member Theresa Koki, and Secretary Shawn Shimabukuro.