Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Every few weeks or so, about a dozen people quietly gather in the back of a Tucumcari restaurant for regular meetings of the local Crime Stoppers chapter.
The most recent meeting last week turned out to be a productive one. A Quay County sheriff’s deputy requested a total payout of $1,000 to three confidential informants who provided information that led to the arrests of two men for their alleged role in a violent home invasion. It was the fifth payout this year.
A Tucumcari officer told the Crime Stoppers board his drug-sniffing police dog — paid for several years ago from the organization’s funds — soon would be going through its annual recertification in Amarillo.
The board’s treasurer reported its fund balance recently had topped $40,000.
It may be hard to believe now, but the Tucumcari chapter of Crime Stoppers was on the verge of disbanding just two years ago.
Anonymous tips on local crimes had dried up. The group was considering dissolving its chapter and distributing its money to some other charity.
“We were looking at each other, asking, ‘Why are we here?’” a longtime board member said. Board members asked to remain unidentified for fear of reprisals from criminals or phone harassment.
Board members said the group was saved because of more cooperation with the Tucumcari Police Department and Quay County Sheriff’s Office. Tucumcari Crime Stoppers also used more advertising — including on social media — to get the word out more effectively about its efforts.
Despite the uptick in recent payouts, a board member said there’s no danger of the Crime Stoppers fund drying up. One magistrate judge typically orders some defendants to pay court fees to the group. A Santa Fe lawyer also mails a check to the chapter every month or so.
And confidential informants don’t always avail themselves of the reward for helping solve a crime, the board member said.
“We don’t do that many payouts,” she said. “And many people who call in tips don’t want to be paid. The community does get involved. Most them simply don’t want other people to know.”
Those who wish to serve on the Tucumcari chapter of Crime Stoppers can call the Tucumcari Police Department at 575-461-2160 or the Quay County Sheriff’s Office at 575-461-2720 to receive more instructions.
