In Kinston, homicides have doubled this year over last. The Kinston Police Department has a high success rate in apprehending the perpetrators of crime in the city, in part because of Crime Stoppers. This tool, used by law enforcement throughout the county, runs on donations.

“Quite honestly, Crime Stoppers is assisting us with solving crimes in our community with cooperating witnesses,” said Interim Chief Keith Goyette. “It helps us with our criminal investigation and then moving forward to the prosecutor’s office.”

Crime Stoppers has no overhead expenses. Every penny donated toward the organization is paid out to tippers that bring about an arrest. The money used for payout comes from private citizens and organizations making contributions. Since July 2015, a total of 36 arrests were made from information received from Crime Stopper calls, resulting in payouts of $12,090. Of the 36 arrests, 17 were for homicide.

“We try to show appreciation for Crime Stoppers,” said Goyette. “To get people more involved in the community.”

Under Goyette’s leadership, the Kinston Police Department is striving for transparency. Their social media campaign includes posting arrests that are the results of Crime Stoppers tips.

The interim chief and the Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers have agreed to work together to address crime in both the city and the county.

“We appreciate the Crime Stoppers,” said Lenoir County Sheriff Jackie Rogers. “We appreciate what the board does for us, and we look forward to working with them in the future.”

In previous years, Crime Stoppers has paid out rewards when the perpetrator was convicted, today the payout has changed to arrest. Crime Stoppers works with a local bank to ensure anonymity by using a pin system. The tipster never has to engage with law enforcement or divulge their name.

Crime Stoppers is an instrumental tool in solving criminal cases in the community. The financial support of citizens and organizations within the community is imperative to continue offering reward payments for tips and information.

Lenoir County Crime Stoppers
Post Office Box 3053
Kinston, NC 28502-3053
(252) 523-4444