More than 350 law enforcement officials are under one roof in New Braunfels for a Crime Stoppers convention. But before they can hand out reward money and close cases, there's some red tape they all have to go through to pay for it.
Sometimes the right reward can help squeeze information out of the public. But each Crime Stoppers program doesn't have a blank check. They have to be certified according to the Governor's Office.
This year Comal County is hosting the 24th Annual Texas Crime Stoppers Conference. According to Jorge Gaytan, chair of the Crime Stoppers Council, the money comes from court fees.
After this week's conference, officials can walk away with 16 hours of credit from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement.
Officials also have the opportunity to collaborate with other Crime Stoppers programs instead of starting from scratch on an issue.
"All we have to do is go in and ask for help from another program," said Teresa Hendon, the chair for the Comal County Crime Stoppers Board.
Not all Crime Stoppers programs are certified, but they still serve the public. Instead they raise their own funds to over rewards to help solve crimes.
