THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 6, 1995 TAG: 9504060006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
How much does Hampton Roads invest in its cities' safety? For most jurisdictions, public safety is among the largest expense. Whether that amount is adequate or properly apportioned among public-safety needs - and how to tell - are subjects for City Councils to address.
A more direct investment of citizens in their safety is more easily assessed: Since Crime Line and Crime Solvers programs started in 11 Hamption Roads localities, the program has solved more than 20,000 cases, recovered property and illegal drugs worth more than $25 million and paid out more than $1 million in rewards to anonymous tipsters whose information leads to an arrest. Some 97 percent of those arrested because of those tips are convicted.
The reward money comes from donations. Prime time to replenish the pot is during the 11th Annual Greater Hampton Roads Crime Line Telethon, on WVEC-TV, Channel 13, between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. this Saturday. by CNB