Leveraging MDCS as a Vital Resource in Your Case

In the world of law enforcement, tapping into every available resource is crucial for enhancing operational effectiveness. Metro Denver Crime Stoppers (MDCS) stands as a pivotal asset, offering anonymous tips that have proven to be essential in solving a wide range of cases. Here’s a detailed guide on how law enforcement agencies across the board can effectively utilize MDCS as a resource and ensure its seamless integration into their information distribution strategies.

1. Customized Crime Alert Templates MDCS provides a tailored Crime Alert Template (in both English and Spanish) that can be quickly filled out by investigators, crime analysts, or public information officers. This streamlined tool is designed to facilitate quick sharing of information and ensure that vital details are communicated effectively to MDCS and the public.

2. Standardized Press Release Verbiage When issuing press releases seeking public assistance, use the following standardized verbiage to maintain consistency and clarity (Read more on why this is important: Is your Agency Tip Line Fully Protected?):

• Preferred: "Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Metro Denver Crime Stoppers tip-line at 720-913-STOP (7867) or online at www.metrodenvercrimestoppers.com/submit-a-tip. You could be eligible for a cash reward."

• Alternate: "If you have information on this incident, please contact [Investigator's Name] at [Contact Number]. Or, to remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.7867."

3. Engage Through Social Media Tag MDCS in relevant social media posts to enhance the visibility and reach of your public assistance requests. This not only broadens the audience but also encourages community engagement with ongoing investigations. 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MetroCrimeStoppers)

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stopcocrime)

• X/Twitter: https://x.com/CrimeStoppersCO

• Threads : https://www.threads.net/@stopcocrime 

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stopcocrime.

Please follow, share, comment and engage with our accounts to help increase reach, and encourage others to do the same! 

4. Share Press Releases and Alerts Ensure that any press release or alert sent out is also forwarded to alerts@metrodenvercrimestoppers.com. This allows us to keep our call takers informed and ensures alignment in the information being disseminated. Additionally, consider adding this email to your PIO media distribution list for any media releases to maintain streamlined communication.1

5. Proactive Engagement Don’t wait for a case to grow cold before engaging with MDCS. Notify them proactively of the types of information crucial to your current investigations to help tailor their public appeals and focus on gathering specific details that aid your cases.

6. Promote Public Participation Encourage community members to utilize the MDCS tip line. The more the public is aware of how they can help fight crime anonymously, the more tips you are likely to receive. Participation can be boosted through community policing efforts, public meetings, and active social media engagement, emphasizing the anonymity and protection provided by MDCS.

7. Use MDCS for Inter-Agency Collaboration Utilize MDCS to share information across jurisdictions, particularly in cases where inter-agency cooperation can expedite case resolutions. This can be crucial in areas with overlapping jurisdictions or shared crime problems.

8. Feedback Loop Establish a feedback loop with MDCS. After actioning tips from MDCS, provide feedback about the outcomes. This not only aids in evaluating the efficacy of the tips but also strengthens the trust and cooperation between law enforcement and MDCS.

9. Board Accessibility Reach out to any MDCS board member if you need assistance or have questions. Despite being a 100% volunteer board, we are committed to responsiveness, especially for cases involving urgent or sensitive issues.

By integrating MDCS into your operational strategies, your agency can transform this tool into a cornerstone of investigative efforts. Remember, the strength of law enforcement often lies in the resources we harness, and MDCS is undoubtedly a resource worth optimizing to its fullest potential.