MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shelby County Schools and Crime Stoppers said they are pushing harder than ever, asking students to come forward before bad things happen.
There have been reports of student fights and even a stabbing at schools in recent weeks.
“You know how the kids are these days. They’ll be in the lunch room, but they’ll be talking to each other on the phone,” said Crime Stoppers Executive Director Buddy Chapman.
Chapman and SCS told WREG they were hoping students will use text messages to help them stop problems in schools before they happen with “Tip Soft”.
The program guarantees them anonymity and even the potential to get a reward.
It started a couple of years ago at legacy Shelby County Schools.
After the unification and split, SCS and Crime Stoppers said it needed a new push.
There were still some tips coming in, but there was a need for many more.
“We know that students often get more information than we’ll ever get. They’re in the schools every day. They’re with their peers,” said Manager of Student Safety Ronald Pope.
With Tip Soft, students would send a text to CRIMES (274637).
The students would begin the text with the phrase “SCS,” then proceed with their tip.
Tips could also be submitted at http://tipsubmit.com.
Then a computer would assign the student a random number, and pass it along to only a handful of SCS supervisors.
“We have no idea who the person is. All we do is investigate the accuracy of the information, and then we take it from there,” Pope said.
WREG was told if a student tip stops something bad from happening, Crime Stoppers would pay up.
Chapman said the reward is determined on a case by case basis.
If a student warned them of a big fight, it could pay between $300 and $400.
He said reports of small amounts of marijuana could mean a $50 reward.
There are also rewards for tips about vandalism, theft and other crimes.
SCS also runs a program called “Trust Pays,” where students anonymously gives tips to administrators at schools.
These students are also eligible for reward money.
Chapman said about one-third of students with tips, via Tip Soft or in person, do not respond back to claim the money.
He said they just want safe hallways.
Chapman said the money comes from private donors, so Crime Stoppers always accept donations.
