[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING VALLEY CRIME STOPPERS FOR THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY

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                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 29, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Crime 
Stoppers as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. The tremendous 
efforts they have made to help crime victims in our Central Valley 
deserve to be commended.
  Valley Crime Stoppers has built strong relationships with the city of 
Fresno, local media, and law enforcement. Citizens are encouraged to 
call the police or Valley Crime Stoppers if they have any information 
concerning a crime they witnessed. Victims and bystanders have a safe 
place to turn in Valley Crime Stoppers because it is an anonymous tip 
line. It is an unfortunate truth that victims are often fearful to 
share information with law enforcement because they have been 
threatened by their offender. Valley Crime Stoppers provides victims 
with an alternative, so they can tell their story without fear of 
retribution.
  Educating and bringing awareness to residents are important missions 
of Valley Crime Stoppers. They have put together several campaigns that 
aim to lower crime in the Central Valley, including a television 
promotion that brings awareness to the very negative consequences of 
children being exposed to domestic violence. In addition, Valley Crime 
Stoppers has a poster campaign that aims to keep neighborhoods safe by 
getting guns out of the hands of criminals. Residents have been given 
the tools to act as change agents to keep the entire San Joaquin Valley 
safe.
  As Co-Chairman of the Victims' Rights Caucus, it is my honor to 
recognize the good work of Valley Crime Stoppers and to thank the board 
members and staff at Valley Crime Stoppers for their support and 
activism.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Valley 
Crime Stoppers as they celebrate their 20th anniversary. Valley Crime 
Stoppers has truly made a difference in our Valley, and it will 
continue to do so for many decades to come.

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