JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — First Coast Crime Stoppers does more than collect anonymous tips from the community.
The organization also works with local groups and law enforcement on issues like human trafficking, bullying, animal cruelty and cold cases.
Executive Director Chase Robinson returned to In Depth with Kristine Bellino to talk about some of that work and what the organization has coming up.
Annual golf tournament coming up
First Coast Crime Stoppers will hold its 22nd annual Wiley B. Hodges Golf Tournament on October 19 at Marsh Landing.
Robinson said this is the organization’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Law enforcement agencies, local businesses and nonprofit organizations are among the groups that take part.
At the time of the interview, there were only a few spots left for groups of four, but there were also different sponsorships still available.
Robinson said you don’t have to be great at golf to join. Many people go to support Crime Stoppers, meet people and have a good time.
Anyone interested can contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 904-398-5883.
Human trafficking in the community
Robinson also talked about human trafficking and how it can happen right here in our community.
He said human trafficking doesn’t always look like what people see in movies or TV shows, which is why knowing the signs is important.
First Coast Crime Stoppers works with different local groups, including Rethreaded, to help people understand what human trafficking can look like and what they should do if they see something concerning.
Robinson said Crime Stoppers can also be a safe option for someone who is being trafficked or someone who thinks they may know a victim.
Tips are anonymous, and the information can be sent to law enforcement to be investigated.
Crime Stoppers is changing with technology
Crime Stoppers recently celebrated 50 years since the program first started in 1976.
Robinson recently traveled to Washington, D.C., where Crime Stoppers groups talked about some of the newer problems they are seeing, including artificial intelligence, crimes on social media, human trafficking and problems affecting students online.
Technology has also changed how people can contact Crime Stoppers. People can now send tips through text messages, mobile apps and websites.
Robinson said it’s important for Crime Stoppers to keep changing as technology and crime change too.
Helping students report bullying
Crime Stoppers can also help students who may be afraid to report bullying.
Robinson said some students don’t speak up because they are embarrassed or worried about what other students or teachers may think.
Crime Stoppers gives them a way to report what is happening without giving their name. The information can then be shared with the people who can help, including school officials or law enforcement.
Bringing attention back to cold cases
First Coast Crime Stoppers also continues to work with Project Cold Case and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on unsolved cases.
During cold case press conferences, families and investigators talk about cases that may have happened many years ago and ask the public for help.
Robinson said sometimes a small detail can make a difference.
Someone may remember seeing a car in the neighborhood, hearing something strange or noticing something that didn’t seem important at the time.
Even years later, that information could help investigators with a case.
Robinson encouraged people to report information even if they aren’t sure if it will help. Tips made through Crime Stoppers remain anonymous.
First Coast Crime Stoppers is also looking for volunteers and people interested in helping with community events.
Anyone who wants to get involved can contact the organization at 904-398-5883.
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