KPD Chief of Police Eve Thomas and City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon formally announced the launch of the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Program during a press conference at the Public Safety Building on Wednesday, May 5.  

East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers provides a mechanism for citizens to anonymously share information regarding criminal activity or wanted fugitives to assist the efforts of local law enforcement. If the information provided leads to an arrest, the recovery of weapons, narcotics or stolen property, or the capture of a wanted person, that tipster could be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.  

“I am excited to help announce the launch of East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers, which will be a tremendous asset for the KPD and the Knoxville community as a whole,” Chief of Police Eve Thomas said. “We have recognized the need for a local Crime Stoppers program for some time and were already moving in that direction at the tail end of last year. However, the recent uptick in gun violence, particularly the violence that resulted in the death of multiple high school students, accelerated that process.  

“This will be another important tool to assist the KPD in its mission to keep Knoxville safe,” Thomas added. “This also provides a platform that encourages citizens to actively participate in that mission. Public safety is a shared responsibility that requires vigorous community involvement and willingness to push back against crime.” 

East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year through numerous avenues. Anyone with information about a crime, wanted fugitive or any criminal activity occurring in the City of Knoxville is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org to submit an online tip or download the free mobile app, P3 Tips, from either the Google Play or Apple App Store. Tipsters will remain completely anonymous throughout the entire process of submitting a tip through receiving a cash reward if eligible. 

“Crime Stoppers will be another tool in our toolbox as we all work collectively to reverse this surge in violence in our City,” said Mayor Indya Kincannon. “I want to thank City Council for approving my emergency funding request that is helping to launch this program and everyone who worked so diligently to get this up and running so quickly.” 

Though new to Knoxville, Crime Stoppers has been in existence since 1976. Presently, there are over 1,000 Crime Stoppers programs in operation worldwide. The East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Program, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) volunteer organization funded by tax-deductible donations from businesses, clubs, associations and individuals.  

As of January 21, 2021, tips or information submitted through Crime Stoppers nationwide had resulted in over 775,000 arrests and the clearance of over one million cases with over $117 million paid out in reward money. Additionally, over $2 billion of drugs have been seized based on Crimes Stoppers tips. To learn more about Crime Stoppers, visit www.crimestoppersusa.org.