DANVILLE — Vermilion County Crime Stoppers is increasing the reward for tips leading to a conviction in unsolved homicides to $2,500.
Chris Clapp, president of Vermilion County Crime Stoppers, spoke to Danville City Council Tuesday night about the program and the changes being made after a gun violence prevention meeting and a discussion with Police Chief Christopher Yates. Previously Crime Stoppers award $1,000 to tips leading to a conviction in a unsolved homicide.
“Things have been pretty slow in regards to tips…this is why we met with Chief Yates the other day,” Clapp said. He also met with the mayor and hopes that improving payouts will bring in more tips.
Yates thanked the public for coming forward with their concerns about the organization during recent council meetings.
“This was one of those things that we appreciate when people bring things up from the public comment,” Yates said. “When I went back, and I looked into it, and I started looking at the website, then I contacted the mayor and said, ‘I think that we need to have a discussion and a meeting to figure out exactly what’s wrong'”
Yates said the website is updated and there is a individual keeping it current. He also added that the department will add the Crime Stoppers Tips information in their media releases.
Ward 7 Alderman Tricia Teague thanked Clapp for coming and said the updates came about because of the Violence Prevention Subcommittee, which includes herself and Aldermen Ed Butler and Jaleel Jones.
“There were obviously questions that came up publicly because of the young lady who came to the podium asking questions, so I appreciate the fact that Mr. Clapp did not take offense to any of the questions,” Teague said. “[He] came here publicly to talk about how the process works, because it was definitely eye-opening for all of us.”
Clapp emphasized that all tips are truly anonymous.
“When you call, we do not want your name or any personal information… just give the information concerning your tip of the crime,” said Clapp, noting that every caller will be given a code number.
Clapp said the information provided will then be sent to a Crime Stoppers police coordinator. If the tips lead to an arrest, it will be brought forward to the Crime Stoppers board.
“Crime Stoppers board will decide how much you pay out in tip money,” Clapp said. “The tipster must have the code and tell the Crime Stoppers board members the code number. After the correct code is given, the tipster will receive [the cash reward].”
“One of the things that came up in the conversation was that there were some awards that were going to be given out, and the people didn’t show up, or there was some type of problem,” Yates said about meeting with Clapp. “I think moving forward we can do a lot better as a police department…”
However, Yates says the improvements will not necessarily solve gun violence in Danville.
“Crime Stoppers is not going to…. all of a sudden, turn everything around. But it’s another tool in our box that we need to be utilizing and making sure we’re aware it’s there… If I need a Phillips screwdriver out of my tool bag, I better know how to use it, right?” Yates said. “I appreciate the person that brought the comment… that was sort of the catalyst to get me looking into it, got my people on it. I think it’s going to be a lot better moving forward.”
Yates suggested during a community outreach event, a Crime Stoppers table with information like other community partners may also help solve crime, reiterating that the department will be better.
The amount given for tips is based on the crime. Clapp gave a scenario of $10,000 worth of stolen items. He says the board would likely pay out $500-750, depending on the police coordinator’s suggestions.
To report a tip to Vermilion County Crime Stoppers anonymously online at vccrimestoppers.org, using the mobile app. P3TIPS, or by calling 217-446-TIPS (8477)