Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crime Stoppers?
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit 501(c)(3) program designed to solve crime with the help of concerned citizens. The program encourages community members to help fight crime by supplying leads through anonymous tips.
What Can I Report to East TN Valley Crime Stoppers?
East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers takes tips regarding criminal activity, the location of wanted fugitives, stolen property or weapons.
Information Crime Stoppers Cannot Process –
Crime Stoppers is not an emergency service, we are not a law enforcement agency. If it is an emergency call 9-1-1.
Crime Stoppers cannot take tips or information from a victim of a crime or incident.
Driving Offenses – If reporting a driving violation (speeding, driving while on the phone, etc.) call your local 9-1-1 Center’s non-emergency line.
Noise complaints
If you receive a scam email or phone call, you may report it to www.USA.gov.
How does Crime Stoppers Work?
Crime Stoppers can take your anonymous information three different ways:
TALK to our trained call takers at 865-215-7165 or **TIPS
TYPE your information into our secure online tip submission form at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org
TAP and download our free and secure Mobile app – P3 TIPS
When you provide a tip, you are given a Tip ID # and password. This Tip ID # and password is the ONLY WAY a tip can be tracked and a reward issued. REMEMBER YOUR TIP ID # and PASSWORD - this is what identifies you.
Once you submit your tip through any one of the three avenues the tip is then sent to the appropriate law enforcement agency to investigate. The tip is investigated and the investigator will inform East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers if your tip led to an arrest or the recovery of narcotics, stolen property or weapons. Crime Stoppers will then update your tip through the P3 TIPS mobile app informing you that you are eligible for a cash reward.
You can check the status of your tip 24/7 by downloading the P3 TIPS mobile app. You can also contact us every Thursday between 1 pm and 2 pm. You must use your Tip ID # to check the status of your tip.
Whether you provide a tip by phone, online, or through the P3 TIPS mobile app, all tips are completely secure and anonymous.
How Does the Tipster Provide Additional Information?
The Tip ID # is how you check the status of a report, answer follow-up questions about the information you submit, and provide additional information. You may also upload additional images or files using your Tip ID #.
What Type of Files Can Tipsters Upload?
Tipsters can anonymously submit audio, video, image and document files with their tips and via additional two-way dialog. Each upload is limited to a maximum size of 55 mb per file with the following file types allowed:
Audio: mp4, mp3, wav
Video: avi, flv, mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg, wma, wmv
Image: jpeg, jpg, png
Documents: doc, docx, pdf, xls, xlsx
How Does a Tipster Recover a Tip ID # or Password?
It is not possible for an anonymous tipster to recover a lost Tip ID # or password as tips are not connected to personal information of anonymous tipsters.
How Does East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Pay Tipsters?
In CASH! No identification is needed.
PLEASE NOTE: Cash rewards are paid out for crimes solved and fugitives apprehended on behalf of member agencies. We do not have the capability to pay a tipster outside of our programs area.
How is East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers Funded?
Funding of the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers program is provided through contributions from private individuals, businesses, and fundraising events. No state or federal funds are used.
To support us click on the Donate button located on the Welcome page or on the Support Us page.