3 minute read
Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa
Written by Michelle Gallo | Photos submitted by Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa
Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, Inc. (CST) is a non-profit organization that provides crime prevention to the citizens of Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes. Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa first originated in 1983 as an all-volunteer-run organization. The organization had its ups and downs. Post-Katrina, the Hammond Chamber of Commerce Community Development Committee, and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reorganized to become Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, by hiring an Executive Director and forming a Board of Directors in 2007. A new aggressive approach to solving crimes began. Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa is currently managed by Michelle Gallo, Executive Director, and David Tucker, Community Outreach Coordinator.
What does Crime Stoppers do?
Crime Stoppers is a partnership of the community, law enforcement, and the media which provides the community with a proactive program for people to report anonymous tips and assist law enforcement in solving crimes. CST offers cash rewards to anyone furnishing anonymous information that leads to the arrest of criminals, including those committing serious felony crimes and fugitives. Tips are received through the 800 number, website, or the P3 App. Each tipster is assigned a code number for the purpose of ensuring anonymity.
Since 2008, Crime Stoppers has received over 10,283 tips, assisted in 2,163 arrests, cleared 2,750 cases, and paid over $246,700 in rewards.
How does it work?
Submit tips by calling 800.554.5245 or tangicrimestoppers.com and click “Submit a Tip” or download the P3 APP.
Law enforcement investigates the tip.
If the tip leads to an arrest, or provides information on a case, a cash reward is offered to the tipster anonymously.
Crime Stoppers is hard at work in Tangipahoa by providing crime prevention programs, Safe School Initiative - Student Anonymous Hotline, presenting suicide prevention programs for teens, offering female self-defense classes instructed by Sensi Frank DiBenedetto, instructing neighborhood watch programs, and hosting free community events. CST is in partnership with SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), TADAC ( Tangipahoa Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council) and TRACC ( Tangipahoa Reshaping Attitudes for Community Change).
Although Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa receives allocated funding from parish court fees to pay rewards to tipsters, Crime Stoppers is a 501©3 non-profit corporation primarily funded by individual donations, civil non-profit organizations, and fundraisers.
In 2022, with the support of Anntoine Marketing and Design, Crime Stoppers presented the first murder mystery, “Wine and Crime” Fundraiser.
It was such a huge success, the murder this year will be on September 29th, at Anntoine’s beautiful offices at 113 S Pine Street in Hammond. This year’s theme is “Murder at the Luau.” There will be a lineup of eight suspects wanted for questioning. Murder at the Luau will keep attendees guessing who done it while they are entertained with music, food and a killer cocktail. Participants will have a chance to win door prizes if they can shake down the suspects for clues.
Come and solve the murder and help Crime Stoppers continue crime prevention in Tangipahoa and St. Helena Parishes by purchasing a ticket. The cost is $75 for singles and $125 for couples. For more information, contact Michelle Gallo at 985.662.5557 or email tangicrimestoppers@gmail.com. Check out their website at tangimurdermystery.com
