Crime Stoppers to reward students for tips about weapons, drugs
JACKSON, Tenn.–With school campuses being the target of recent crimes, Crime Stoppers revives a campaign to make local schools safe. It is against the law to bring weapons and drugs on school property. “One gun can do a lot of damage,” Lt. Mike Johnson said. Johnson runs Crime Stoppers in Jackson-Madison County. Students who know about drugs or weapons on campus can call Crime Stoppers with the tip and get a $100 reward. “We’re just trying to prevent something from happening,” he said. Students will remain anonymous, something Superintendent Dr. Verna Ruffin believes may encourage people to speak up. “I believe that students want our environment to be safe,” she said. “I believe that it will also be helpful for the adults as well.” Johnson said the program is for both public and private schools. Herman Fingers has a niece who attends Jackson Central-Merry Academy of Medical Technology. Despite anonymity, he worries some students still will not feel comfortable coming forward. “The reason that they scared they might get hurt or their family might get hurt or somebody else might get hurt you know that they know,” he said. Johnson said Crime Stoppers launched the weapons-drug watch program several years ago and recovered several guns and marijuana, but calls are now few and far between. Johnson wants to revive the program. “Our goal is that nobody gets hurt in the school,” he said. Students can also report tips to school administrators or resource officers. Johnson said parents who have information about drugs or weapons on campus can also call Crime Stoppers with information and receive the $100 reward.
