Police in Girard activate tip line for crime reports

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

girard

Police Chief Jeff Palmer categorized the Girard Police Crime Tip Line as an “excellent tool to help keep neighborhoods safe.”

“It’s a good avenue to give information, and it’s anonymous,” he said.

Palmer said the tip line has operated a couple of weeks. He said it goes to a voice-mailbox system that will be monitored by Capt. John Norman. Palmer said reports of such criminal activities as drugs, violence, thefts, abuse, mischief and graffiti all will be investigated.

The tip line, 330-539-7230, is checked regularly. It’s available 24 hours seven days a week.

The police chief added that “quality-of-life” issues such as derelict buildings, high grass, zoning and other neighborhood problems also are reported. He said the complaints that aren’t the jurisdiction of police will be forwarded to the proper city departments.

Palmer emphasized that the tip line is confidential and anonymous. Callers need not be concerned that their phone number will be recorded.

“There will be no tracking of numbers on this line,” he said. But, he added, if a caller wishes to be contacted by police, he or she must leave contact information.

Norman said he wanted to emphasize that the tip line is for criminal activity that the police can follow up on. “It’s not for a crime in progress. Call 911 for that,” he said.

Norman said the tip line also serves an important function in that it takes information on open and ongoing cases.

The tip line isn’t a new idea but is experiencing a rebirth. It was used in the old police station during the early 1990s but went out of use when the police department relocated in the city building.

“The line was a success before; I think re-implementing it is a positive move,” he said.

Palmer said Patrolman John Freeman designed the brochures and fliers describing the line.

“He’s computer savvy,” the chief said of the youngest member of the department.

The brochures and fliers are being distributed at city businesses, the Girard Multi-Generational Center and senior citizens’ high-rises.

Palmer said the tip line is a means to involve residents in making the city a safer place. He said residents have a stake in improving the city because it’s where they live and own property, where their children are educated and where some operate a business. A lower crime rate benefits the city in many respects.

The police force of 16, which includes the chief, can’t be everywhere at every minute in the city, Palmer said. He encourages city residents to share information that can help solve or prevent a crime through the tip line.