In August of 2017, Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry announced that they will be working together with Horry County in order to expand the ability for citizens to anonymously and safely share information and report crime tips. This network also includes the counties of Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester, Colleton, and Georgetown.

The Horry County Police Department took the initiative to attend several of the Crime Stoppers board meetings and they actively engaged in learning about the logistics, procedures, and the supportive activities performed by the Lowcountry division. According to their website – in the past year alone, Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry delivered over 60 tips to Horry County PD, and we can expect that number to grow as a direct result of the implementation of this partnership and the community campaign.

Set up in 1983, the goal of Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry is to help break the silence and fear of citizens who may have helpful information to share about a crime. The anonymous tipline numbers provide a lifeline to people who have details to share but were afraid of retribution. The 554-1111 & 1-888-CRIME-SC numbers make it safe and easy. Callers are not recorded and do not have to appear as a witness in court. Specially trained personnel receive, process, and pass on the crime tip information to investigating officers. Callers are given a code number which is used in all subsequent calls and callers do not have to personally identify themselves. Rewards up to $1,000 are offered to those who may provide information that leads to an actual arrest for a crime, or for tips that lead to finding stolen property, a missing person, an illegal drug cache, or an arrest on an outstanding warrant.

As a non-profit organization, Crime Stoppers has been an invaluable resource to many communities and law enforcement agencies. It is a community project supported by donations and contributions from individuals, small businesses, corporations, clubs, professional associations, as well as civic and social groups.

The partnership will help to strengthen the ability for the citizens in Horry County to provide useful crime prevention information in a safe and anonymous way to Crime Stopper Agencies.