[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 5331-5332]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE VALLEY CRIME STOPPERS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 16, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Valley Crime 
Stoppers for the tremendous efforts they have made to help crime 
victims in our Central Valley. During Crime Victims' Rights Week, we 
are reminded of the bravery of crime victims and we honor those who 
advocate on their behalf.

[[Page 5332]]

  Valley Crime Stoppers has built strong relationships with the city of 
Fresno, local media, and law enforcement. After a robbery, drive-by 
shooting, or other crime is reported by the news, citizens are 
encouraged to call the police or Valley Crime Stoppers if they have any 
information concerning the incident. 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. Another example of a 
Valley Crime Stoppers campaign is a poster that aims to keep 
neighborhoods safe by getting guns out of the hands of criminals. These 
campaigns, combined with other efforts made by Valley Crime Stoppers, 
have led to 9,598 arrests made and 461 guns recovered from the streets. 
Residents have been given the tools to act as change agents to keep the 
city of Fresno and the entire San Joaquin Valley safe. In addition to 
keeping citizens engaged, Valley Crime Stoppers pays individuals for 
tips that lead to a criminal arrest.
  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 at Valley Crime Stoppers for their support and activism. These 
individuals sincerely care about victims' rights and keeping our 
neighborhoods safe.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Valley 
Crime Stoppers for their contribution to our Valley. Their advocacy for 
crime victims has not gone unnoticed. Valley Crime Stoppers has truly 
made a difference in our Valley, and it will continue to do so for many 
decades to come.

                          ____________________