To solve cases, Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida uses more sophisticated technology than a wanted poster and reward. But the modern system of anonymous, digital tips relies on a lot of the same elements: a financial reward and someone with information to share.
Each month, Crime Stoppers of North Central Florida (CSNCF) receives 60 to100 tips about active investigations or cold cases. These are vetted and sent to the corresponding law enforcement agency in Alachua, Gilchrist or Levy counties.
Bennett Latimer, vice chair for CSNCF, said the information chain (from tipster to call center to the local Crime Stoppers and then to local law enforcement) can result in an arrest in less than 20 minutes. That’s primarily for simple cases like a fugitive with an active arrest warrant—all law enforcement needs is a location to move in and verify…