Waupaca County Crime Stoppers is seeking volunteers to help local law enforcement.

Started in 1997, Waupaca County Crime Stoppers provides safe, anonymous ways for citizens to alert police to criminal activity in their neighborhoods or help investigators locate suspects.

As technology has advanced, so has Crime Stoppers.

In addition to Crime Stoppers toll-free tip hotline at 800-258-9955, citizens can send tips to authorities by submitting them via a website at www.waupacacountycrimestoppers.org or by texting “Crimes” plus the tip to 274637.

The information goes to the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Office, and the reporter’s personal information remains confidential.

If the information results in an arrest, Crime Stoppers pays a reward up to $1,000 depending on the severity of the crime.

Crime Stoppers also sponsors the Quick $50 program in area schools.

A student can call the free tip line or provide information to the school police liaison officer. If this tip leads to charges being filed, a cash reward of $50 is paid within 24 hours.

In 2012, Quick $50 tips resulted in five weapons charges, 10 drug charges and one alcohol charge.

The Crime Stoppers website also has links to local police department websites, Waupaca County’s Most Wanted, the Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry, the Wisconsin No Call List and other state and federal sites related to law enforcement and public safety.

Waupaca County Crime Stoppers needs volunteers to help keep the public informed, create news alerts for local newspapers and radio stations, maintain a close relationship with police departments and raise funds for the rewards offered for tips that lead to arrests.

There are no dues or fees to join Crime Stoppers. Applications are available at www.waupacacountycrimestoppers.org.