CRIME Stoppers International Foundation (CSI) is interested in setting up an office in Guyana as part of its global network against illicit activities and crimes.
This is according to Darrin Carmichael, Director of Crime Stoppers Trinidad and Tobago, who was at the time speaking at an Anti-illicit Trade Regional Conference at the Marriott Hotel on Thursday.

The Crime Stoppers programme began in the 1970s as an innovation to solve crimes that were committed with no witnesses and few leads for police investigators.
The main goal is to produce televised re-enactments, offer rewards and promises of anonymity for information leading to an arrest.
Carmichael explained that Crime Stoppers is an effective crime-solving organisation worldwide, with the primary objective of the community, media and law enforcement working together to solve crimes.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed in countries where the agency has an office, since Crime Stoppers has built an effective worldwide system built on integrity and trust that works.
Carmichael said that tackling crime effectively cannot be done by law enforcement alone as the support of the public is important, and that is where Crime Stopper International bridges the gap.
“Police can be provided with information and tips which they may not otherwise receive which could be vital in bringing criminals to justice, no matter where they attempt to hide,” he said.

The agency operates in 24 countries in seven regions around the world and serves over 500 million people.
The agency tackles illicit trade in the region since a large percentage of illegal profits are derived from the trade of tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals, gold, fuel, household items, personal care items and automotive parts.

Carmichael said the information provided on these illegal activities is passed on to law enforcement and other investigators in such a way that the tipster remains anonymous at all times.
“When you report to Crime Stoppers your identity will never be exposed.”
He said the agency will be hosting its 38th Annual Crime Stoppers International Conference from October 15-18, 2017 in Panama City, Panama, under the theme “Taking action against multinational crime”.