Gary Murphy - Crime Stoppers

Gary Murphy, President of Crime Stoppers International, gave a most interesting and revealing presentation of his organization. Their results are impressive.

Gary has been involved with Crime Stoppers since 1985, when, as a member of the RCMP, he organized and administered the program in Manitoba. He joined the private sector in 1987 but has maintained his interest and dedication to Crime Stoppers over these years. He has lectured and conducted workshops internationally and is responsible for the development of several provincial and national Crime Stopper corporate partnerships.

Currently, Gary is a member of the Business Relations Committee for the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association, Vice President of the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers, and President of Crime Stoppers International. Professionally, he is Vice President of Property Services for Terracap Management Inc.

Crime Stoppers is the most effective non-profit organization in solving crime. It started in New Mexico in 1976 when a detective aired a crime re-enactment that resulted in arrests within 24 hours. There are now 1200 programs in 28 countries; Ontario has 39, and there are 107 in Canada.

Their phone number – 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) – is now available throughout North America.

Crime Stoppers never asks for the caller’s name, does not use call display or *69, and makes no recordings of calls. A recent Supreme Court unanimous decision viewed Crime Stoppers as a special source with the same legal status as an informer.

A caller is given a code number to use if they wish to call back after 2-3 weeks to ask if progress has been made in the case. In each area, the police coordinator reports to the CS board monthly and may recommend awards of up to $2,000 to callers. However, 70% of callers do not want a reward but do want anonymity and not to have to go to court. Any awards are given in cash through a third party.

CS now works with most police forces around the world and is recording significant success. Plans are made for heightened marketing and awareness campaigns and preparations before big gatherings such as major political and sports events like World Cup soccer and the Olympics.

Gary offered several examples of challenges CS faces, especially in countries where there is a lot of corruption and also where communications are not easy.

Crime Stoppers works with the dedication of many volunteers and has scored spectacular successes:

Attendance

In attendance were 28 members and four guests, two of whom are candidates for membership – Phil Richardson and Galina Tikhonovsky. Bruce Geary brought his father, Bert, to his first Rotary meeting since his hospitalization. It was great to see Bert back!

Open Membership Classification

EDUCATION was the posted classification for this week.

Announcements

Bruce announced that Adam McBrain has been elected by next year’s board as Vice President for 2011-2012, and is intended to become president of our club in 2012-2013.

Mike Cooksey wants everyone to solicit advertisers for Ribfest. Flyers are available, and the basic cost of $500 is an inexpensive way to reach around 100,000 people.

Shirley seeks items for the silent auction at Springfest. She announces that we will get free publicity in SNAP, copies of which she distributed.She drew attention to the financial needs of Variety Village and will circulate information on this by email.

Woods-Cunningham Wheel

Gerard won the right to spin, but got only a toonie for his effort.

Sergeant at Arms

Mike Cooksey was fined for using his Blackberry. He mentioned that he attended a meeting of the Phoenix Sunrise Club while visiting Phoenix.

Sydney’s son, Robert, played in the Ontario soccer finals, where his team finished in second place.

Millie skated 14 kilometres on the Rideau Canal with her grandchildren.

Victor contributed because he was happy to see Bert back.

Dianna gave for her birthday, and because her friend Galina will soon become a member of the club.

Phil gave to celebrate the first Canadian gold medal on home soil at the Olympics in Vancouver.

Alex was happy to see finally enough snow in BC for the events.

Michael Murton gave for arriving late for the meeting.

Geoff now has two weeks to go before his trip. He warned that he may return looking and perhaps speaking a little differently!

Celebrations

Club Service Needs

Club service is looking for 2 volunteers, 1 for each of the following positions:

Rotating Bluffer Editor – the position requires you to take notes at the weekly luncheon for 2 consecutive weeks every 10 weeks.

Please let Audrey know if you are willing to volunteer for either of these positions.

Upcoming Meetings -to update your information, e-mail Gary at garymac@clarkehenning.com

Duty Roster