• It Takes a Neighborhood”, From the National Crime Prevention Council
• Exploring the Bystander Effect—I didn’t want to get involved”, From the National Crime Prevention Council
• Board of Directors meeting summary June 21, 2007
  
• Fort Collins Crime Stoppers Serving Larimer County
  Board of Directors Meeting Summary February 2, 2007
  
• Crime Stoppers of Fort Collins, Inc.
  Board of Directors Meeting Summary January 4, 2007
• Fort Collins Crime Stoppers Serving Larimer County
  Board of Directors Meeting Summary November 2, 2006
• Crime Stoppers of Fort Collins, Inc.
  Board of Directors Meeting Summary September 7, 2006
• Crime Stoppers Board meeting minutes August 3, 2006
• Crime Stoppers Board meeting minutes July 6, 2006
• Crime Stoppers of Fort Collins, Inc.
  Board of Directors Meeting Summary June 1, 2006
• Telemarketing Internet Fraud Reported by the Larimer County DA's Office - May 2006
• Board of Directors' Crime Stoppers Minutes from 03/30/06 upon approval in the next board meeting

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary for March 30, 2006

Present: Ray Martinez, Stu VanMeveren, Brownie McGraw, Ron Pino, Kermit Allard, Bill Warren, Charles Robles and Diane Jones.

Overview

Crime Stoppers in Fort Collins has been inactive for awhile. With the appointment of new members, the task is to reactivate the Crime Stoppers program. Crime Stoppers of Fort Collins, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a 501(c) (3) designation and was recently recertified by the State of Colorado. The organization serves the communities in Larimer County.

Funding is primarily from two sources: court orders and community donations. An annual tax statement does not have to be filed unless the organization has received income of more than $25,000 in any calendar year.

As a board, we are obligated to keep confidential the identity of citizens that provide crime stopper tips.

Business Items

1. Charlie Robles agreed to research the guidelines and procedures for remitting payment to citizens that submit a Crime Stopper tip, e.g., is an arrest or conviction required before we provide payment (in cash) for a tip.

2. Ray Martinez will contact the Coloradoan to see if they will help notify the public about Crime Stoppers tip line under the “Most Wanted” person section of the newspaper. Additionally, Ray has been in touch with Clear Channel radio to help promote Crime Stoppers.

3. Charlie Robles agreed to contact the Deputy District Attorneys to let them know that Crime Stoppers is active again. He will also identify Crime Stopper representatives and contacts for other local agencies in Larimer County.

4. Ray Martinez is exploring the development of a new website. Ray researched different companies and their fees (ranging from $450 to $2000); one company charges approximately $500 to develop a new website (with a 5-day turnaround) and $200 per year for unlimited updates and changes to the website. He also plans to create links to other Police agencies and their Crime Stopper coordinators.

Motion: To authorize Ray Martinez to pursue the development of a website for
Crime Stoppers of Fort Collins, Inc. Motion was approved unanimously.

5. A national company—Shred it—is sponsoring a “shred it” day on April 22. The company asked us to participate by setting up a display table with brochures and a donation jar. Members liked the concept but we are not prepared at this time to participate in this type of event.

6. Stu VanMeveren agreed to review our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws—they need to be updated. Ray submitted Pueblo’s articles and bylaws as a sample set to review.

7. Bill Warren will work on creating a brochure.

8. Meeting logistics:

Meeting began and 11:00 am and adjourned at 11:50 am
Minutes prepared by Diane Jones, Recorder/Secretus

Telemarketing Internet Fraud Reported by the Larimer County DA's Office - May 2006

The National Fraud Information Center/Internet Fraud Watch reports that losses from telemarketing fraud rose 47% in 2005 and Internet fraud losses more than doubled.

Wire transfers (i.e., Western Union) have become the most common way scammers get money from victims, especially: fake checks received in the mail, lotteries, advance fee loans, sweepstakes, and Nigerian money offers. “Any request to wire money should set off alarm bells,” said Denver DA Mitch Morrissey. “If that’s part of the deal, it’s a scam.”

Nigerian money offers were the most expensive Internet scam at a $7,000 average loss per victim. Foreign con artists promise to share their fortunes if you agree to transfer the funds to your bank for safekeeping. These fortunes never, ever exist.

Complaints of phony scholarships and grants soared in 2005. Crooks pretending to represent the U.S. government falsely promise victims free money in exchange for processing fees.

Phishing – when ID thieves trick people into revealing bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, etc. through e-mails or phone calls – showed the strongest increase in fraud among older adults. Magazine sales and sweepstakes scams also showed an increase among older victims.

To Prevent Fraud:

• Don’t believe promises of easy money;
• Don’t give out personal info to anyone calling or e-mailing you;
• Call the Denver DA’s Fraud Line for advice or assistance.
  

For assistance call the
DA’s Fraud Line: 720-913-9179

CASE is a Partnership of the District Attorney and the community to Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation
May 2006

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors Meeting Summary June 1, 2006

Board Members Present: Brownie McGraw, Ray Martinez, Charles Robles, Bill Warren, Ron Pino, and Diane Jones

Brownie McGraw called the meeting to order.

Meeting summary for May 4, 2006 was approved with noted corrections: the name of the Registered Agent was changed (approved by the Board) to Ray Martinez; John Davis retired from the District Attorney's Office (not the Sheriff's office); and Charlie Robles was reimbursed for $14 for the picture frame for the State Certificate.

Brochure

Bill Warren worked with Becca Henry to produce the first draft. Ray sent draft out electronically prior to the meeting for members to review. Board members had several suggested revisions:

• Add Board members' names
• Under "Agency Coordinators" add CSU Police contact and phone number; also add titles for the coordinators that are listed
• Under "How Do I Report..." eliminate the redundant sentence
• Other minor edits
  

Bill will prepare the next draft and send to Ray to distribute to Board members. The target is to have all comments finalized by June 15.

Press Conference

Board members are planning a press conference to highlight the Crime Stoppers program in Larimer County. The program has been dormant for awhile and this is an opportunity to let the community know that it has been reactivated.

Board members want to hold a press conference no later than August 1. The primary invitees include the area Police Chiefs and the (law enforcement) agency coordinators. Diane will check to see if the press conference can be held at the Fort Collins Council Chambers and see if it can be video recorded.

Prior to the press conference, the Board is inviting the Police Chiefs and agency coordinators to the next Board Meeting on Thursday, July 6 at 8:00 am. Diane will work with Ray to get out a letter of invitation
(draft due to Ray by June 7).

Newspaper Promotion and "Ads"

Brownie McGraw reported that the (Loveland) Reporter Herald is
interested in doing a story about our Crime Stoppers program. However, they do not do a "Most Wanted" feature and consequently don't have a place for the Crime Stoppers "ads." Brownie will continue to work with the Herald to get a story in the newspaper.

Ray stated that he had not heard back from the Coloradoan and will continue to pursue.

Website

Ray Martinez continues to update the website information. Charlie
reported that he received two email tips (via the Crime Stoppers
website)-one related to vandalism and the other regarding drug activity at a restaurant. Charlie will also check on how the phone line is answered after hours.

Next Board Meeting (Please note the change of date and time):

Thursday, July 6 at 8:00 am at First Community Bank at Oak and College Ave.


Submitted by,

Diane Jones

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary July 6, 2006

Board Members Present: Brownie McGraw, Ray Martinez, Charles Robles, Ron Pino, and Diane Jones

Special Guests: Dennis Harrison, Fort Collins Police Chief; Rita Davis, Fort Collins Police Services; Susan Vance, Fort Collins Police Services; Bret Wagner, CSU Police Department; Luke Hecker, Loveland Police Chief; Dave Sloat, Loveland Police Department; Mike Halloran, Loveland Police Department; Eloise Campanella, Larimer County Sheriff's Office; Jim Alderdan, Larimer County Sheriff; and Larry Abrahamson, District Attorney.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Brownie McGraw called the meeting to order at 8:05 am

This was a special meeting for the Board to welcome and discuss with law enforcement representatives from within Larimer County the reactivated Larimer County Crime stoppers' program.

Ray Martinez reviewed the history of the program . It was established in 1982 and was active for many years. Over the last year or so, several members left the Board and the program was inactive. In early 2006, several new community members were appointed to the Board. Work to reactivate the program has focused on development of a new brochure and website with links to other local law enforcement agencies. The Board is making an effort to reach out and include all communities in Larimer County .

Mike Halloran (Loveland Police Department) asked who to contact if local agencies are interested linking to the Crime stoppers' website. The contact is Ray Martinez.

Ray relayed that the Board is working with local newspapers —the Forum and the Coloradoan —to promote Crime stoppers. Brownie asked for some help with the ( Loveland ) Reporter Herald to insert information about the Crime stoppers' Program.

Eloise Campanella (Larimer County Sheriff's Office) said that their office has had a couple of tips (related to vandalism) because the young people are interested in the Crime stoppers' money award. Eloise asked if they have to have a conviction in order for Crime stoppers' to award money. Ray clarified that identification and arrest suffices and a conviction is not required in order to pay out a Crime stoppers' tip award .

Ray distributed our newly developed brochure and encouraged our guests to take a bundle of copies to distribute in their agencies and to citizens. Dennis Harrison (Fort Collins Police) suggested translating the brochure into Spanish and Bret Wagner (CSU Police) will see if he can get someone at CSU to do the translation.

The Board is planning a Press Conference on Friday, August 11 at 10:00 am at Fort Collins City Hall/Council Chambers. (August 18 was selected as a back up date if, for some reason, the 11 th does not work). Representatives from all Larimer County law enforcement and law enforcement related agencies are invited and welcome to attend. Rita Davis (Fort Collins Police Services) suggested that we prepare a Press Packet (i.e., Press Release; Brochure; Fact Sheet) for the event.

Ray suggested that the Board prepare a banner and some posters for the Press Conference. Members concurred and Ray will research costs and design.

When asked for suggestions as to how Crime stoppers' can serve and work with local agencies , the following suggestions were mentioned: more help with education and getting the word out about how people can prevent crime (e.g., protecting seniors against fraud); development of materials (for identify theft; preventing burglaries) that are colorful and easy to read; help with finding and getting grant monies.

Business Item

Motion was made by Ray Martinez and seconded by Ron Pino to authorize the use of Crime stoppers' award monies for the identification and arrests associated with graffiti. Motion approved by the Board.

Upcoming Meetings

• Thursday, July 20 at 8:00 am to 9:00 am at First Community Bank—this is an important planning meeting for the upcoming August 11 Press Conference.
  
• Thursday, August 3 at 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at First Community Bank— Board Meeting
  
• Friday, August 11 at 10:00 am at Fort Collins City Hall/Council Chambers— Press Conference

Submitted by:

Diane Jones

Board Secretary

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary August 3, 2006

Board Members Present: Brownie McGraw, Ron Pino, Charles Robles, Bill Warren, Kermit Allard, Ray Martinez, and Diane Jones
________________________________________________________

Brownie McGraw called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

This was the final planning meeting before the scheduled August 11 Press Conference . Board members reviewed:

Other Business :

•  Crime Stopper Tip #3767 regarding Cache La Poudre School Criminal Mischief. This tip resulted in the solving of criminal mischief at this school in LaPorte , CO. A motion was presented to award the person who submitted Crime Stopper Tip #3767 an award. Motion was unanimously approved by the Board.

•  The Board received notification of a ballot for the selection of the President of the Board for the National organization of Crime Stoppers . Charles Robles read the information about the candidates to Board members.

Ray Martinez made a motion to cast the Board's vote for Elaine G. Cloyd; Bill

Warren seconded the motion. Motion was unanimously approved by the Board.

Also, related to the National organization of Crime Stoppers, revisions to the bylaws was submitted for our consideration. The Board unanimously approved a motion that Brownie McGraw and Charles Robles was as a subcommittee of the Board and submit any comments regarding the proposed revisions of the bylaws to the national organization.

•  Crime Stopper payments are received by Fort Collins' Police Services. We now have a lock box located in Police Services. Diane Jones has a key to the lock box and will check weekly and retrieve payments. Charles Robles also has a key and will serve as a back up to Diane.

Next Meeting : Thursday, September 7 at 1:00 p.m. at ITX Office Board Room at 2120 S. College — please note the change of location for our September meeting!

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary September 7, 2006

Board Members Present: Brownie McGraw (Convener), Ray Martinez, Charlie Robles, Bill Warren, Diane Jones.

________________________________________________________

Brownie McGraw called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.m.

1.  Follow-up items from the August 11 Press Conference

In terms of distribution, the following places were suggested:

3. Graffiti. Ray has been monitoring the ongoing graffiti problems in the Sunstone neighborhood. Police have detained one fellow. Bill indicated that there are some similar problems in the downtown area—in the alley off of Linden and in the building that Tommy Short use to own, there was fresh food and a mattress on the roof (it appears that people are living/squatting on the roof top). There is little traffic anymore in the alleyway (no more deliveries). Diane Jones will notify Fort Collins Police Services of this ongoing problem.

Charlie stated that the City of Pueblo has a graffiti ordinance that requires property owners to remove graffiti. The courts may also apply a surcharge to pay for paint and graffiti removal.

Motion : That the Board of Directors request that the City of Fort Collins adopt an ordinance (similar to Pueblo ) that mandates property owners to remove graffiti or face abatement. (Ray made the motion; Charlie seconded). Approved by McGraw, Martinez , Warren , Robles. Jones abstained. Diane agreed to draft the letter from the Board to the Fort Collins ' City Council by September 21.

4. Treasurer's Report —the balance was provided .

5.  FBI Contact re gang/graffiti matters —Ray said he will have to look again for the contact. Board members discussed asking him to speak to law enforcement and/or neighborhood groups as to how to strengthen/improve how the community can respond to gangs and graffiti activity.

6.  The Board would like to consider sending a Board member to next year's annual (Crime Stopper) national conference.

NEXT MEETING : the Board agreed to start meeting bi-monthly . Our next meeting will be Thursday, November 2 at 1:00 p.m. at First Community Bank. Brownie will be out of town for that meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 1:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane Jones

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary November 2, 2006

________________________________________________________

Stu VanMeveren called the meeting or order at 1:05 p.m.

1.      Curtailing Graffiti

• Board members discussed our goal which is to remove the graffiti, wherever it is “displayed”, as soon as possible.  A letter has been drafted on behalf of the Board and to be signed by Stu as Chair to be sent to Mayor Hutchinson and City Council (see the attached).  The letter encourages the Fort Collins’ City Council to consider strengthening its regulations related to grafitti removal and adopt an ordinance similar to what has been approved by the cities of Pueblo and Loveland.  Kermit voiced concern that any ordinance include a mechanism for a property owner to grieve a local government that has abated and levied a fee/fine to a property owner (Kermit was concerned for a property owner that might be out of town and not be aware of the grafitti on his/her property).

• Motion (Bill Warren; Charlie Robles) that the Board authorize the letter to be sent.  Motion approved:  6 yes; 1 no (Kermit Allard).  Kermit voted no as he would prefer that any regulation allow for a grievance process for an owner or responsible party on whose property grafitti exists and fails to remove with the 10 days of notification.

2.      Brochures

·    Board members discussed suggestions as to where to place the Crime Stopper brochures (English and Spanish versions):

      City buses—on board; in transit stations; see if we can put posters on the buses (Diane to follow up)

Ø      Weblink to the Spanish brochure (Ray has done)

Ø      Businesses at College and Prospect (Bill taking care of these sites)

Ø      Brochures in Foothills Mall (Bill will check w/Cynthia Eichler)

Ø      Larimer County Courthouse (Charlie will check)

Ø      Northside Aztlan Community Center (Diane will check)

Ø      Romero House

3.      Yearly or Biannual Meeting of the Crime Stopper Coordinators

·    The Board’s last meeting with the Coordinators was in July 2006, prior to the August Press Conference.

·   The Board agreed to meeting annually with the Coordinators unless there is a special need; the purpose of the annual meeting is to review how the Board might be of assistance to the Coordinators and the agencies they represent.

4.      Other Business

·    Crime Stoppers Tip Update:  a couple of tips have come into Charlie.  One was related to an alleged prostitution case which was turned over to CSU Police; another was related to a drug case and was turned over to Larimer County Drug Task Force.

·    Crime Stoppers USA:  the Board was sent an update from President Elaine Cloyd (through Ray) about the national office’s new website, online newsletter, calendar of events and a request about the types of training events that might be beneficial for our region.  The Board suggested that we invite a regional representative to come to a future Coordinators’ meeting and discuss with us how we can effectively use our resources. 

2007 BOARD MEETING CALENDAR:  We agreed to meet every other month.  Future meetings will be at First Community Bank from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm unless notified otherwise (thank you Ron!):

• January 4                                 

• March 1

• May 3

• July 6   (Tentative:  Annual Meeting w/Agency Coordinators)

• September 6

• November 1

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary January 4, 2007

Board President Stu VanMeveren called the meeting to order at 1:03 p.m.

1. Curtailing Graffiti

• Board members concurred with a couple of modifications as suggested by Stu for a letter prepared to Mayor Hutchinson and City Council. The letter recommends that Council consider strengthening its regulations related to graffiti removal and adopt an ordinance similar to Pueblo and Loveland. Diane agreed to deliver the letter to Mayor Hutchinson and Council members.
  
  2. National Membership
  
  
• Ray reported that dues for membership w/the Crime stoppers' International organization are $250 per year. The application is complete except for an ID number. Ray will insert the Secretary of State registration number for our chapter (#140).
• The benefit to belonging to the International organization includes: we utilize their bylaws; they do some marketing for us; they offer training.
• Motion: To pay the $250 in annual dues to Crime stoppers' International. (Brownie McGraw; Kermit Allard). Motion passed unanimously.
  
  3. Treasury Report
  
• $50 was paid out last quarter from First Community Bank to Becca Henry for work on the brochures.
• Ray stated that we have an upcoming bill to pay for a $200 annual maintenance fee to keep up the maintenance of the website.
• Motion: To accept the Treasury Report account balance (Brownie McGraw; Kermit Allard) Motion passed unanimously.
  
  4. Board Gathering at Bill Warren's Home
  
  
• In place of our March board meeting, the board will meet for a special dinner meeting and the home of Bill and Dianne Warren, February 2, 6:00 pm.
  
  5. Other Business
  
  
• Local burglaries-Brownie reported that the recent break in at Fossil Ridge High School resulted in an expensive loss of computer equipment. She suggested that we put the information on our Crime stoppers' web page; Charlie will contact Officer Sue Vance. Also, Ray suggested that Fort Collins Police be asked to send their press releases to Ray so he can post them on the website; Diane will check with the police department.
• Brochures-we are running low on the English language version of our Crime stopper brochures; need to get more printed.
• Articles of Incorporation-Stu will check to see if the edits were completed.
• Newspaper Marketing Piece-Ron was approach by John Kirsch (Fort Collins Forum newspaper) who is interested in doing an article/marketing insert about FC Crime stoppers. Ray and Ron will follow up and talk with John Kirsch.
  " May Board Meeting-the board is scheduled to meet on May 3. This will be our planning meeting to prepare for our annual July Police Agency Coordinators' meeting.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Jones

CRIME STOPPERS OF FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary February 2, 2007

Stu VanMeveren called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
1. Articles of Incorporation

• Stu reviewed the modifications to the Articles of Incorporation:
• Deleted "police department" and inserted "Larimer County Law Enforcement"
• The Registered Agent is now Ray Martinez, replacing John Davis
• All of the names of the current Board of Directors are listed along with their addresses
• Charles Robles is listed as the Incorporator
• Motion to approve the amendments to the Articles of Incorporation and send the Articles to the Colorado Secretary of State (Brownie McGraw; Kermit Allard). Motion was unanimously approved.

2. Other Business

a. Advertisement/Insert in the Forum Newspaper-since the last BOD meeting, Ron worked with John Kirsch (Forum publisher) and developed a preliminary copy. The copy was presented to the Board. The Board is looking for sponsors to underwrite the insert and will approach First Community Bank, ITX, and VanMeveran Law Office. Motion to proceed working on the insert with the suggestion to reduce it to a two-page insert and continue working to reduce the cost (Brownie McGraw; Ron Pino). Motion was unanimously approved.

b. Crime stopper Tips-since our last meeting, Fort Collins Crime stoppers has received two tips on the tip line:

• Tip #3810-a tip of the location of one of Fort Collins' Police Services Most Wanted subjects. Fort Collins' Police Services made the arrest.
• Tip: an informant called in a tip on the location of found equipment; approximately $250,000 of stolen equipment was recovered.
• Motion to grant an undisclosed reward to the public to each person who supplied these tips. We also agreed to prepare a press release about the tips and rewards (Ray Martinez made the motion; Kermit Allard second the motion). Motion was unanimously approved.

c. Speaking engagements-Ron spoke to the two Kiwanis clubs recently in Fort Collins; Ray will speak next week to the Loveland Lions club.

A special thank you to Bill and Dianne Warren for hosting the Board of Directors and their guests for this dinner meeting!

Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.

NEXT BOARD MEETING: MAY 3, First Community Bank, 1:00 - 2:00 pm. This is our planning meeting for our annual meeting (July 6) with our Agency Coordinators.

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Jones

FORT COLLINS CRIME STOPPERS SERVING LARIMER COUNTY

CRIME STOPPERS OR FORT COLLINS, INC.
Board of Directors
Meeting Summary June 21, 2007

Board Members Present: Stu VanMeveren (Chair), Brownie McGraw, Ray Martinez, Charlie Robles, Bill Warren, Kermit Allard, Diane Jones

Stu VanMeveren called the meeting to order at 1:02 pm.

1. Plans for Annual Agency Coordinators' Meeting on August 7, 2007

• Board reviewed the draft agenda and made some minor changes; Diane will prepare for the August 7 meeting.
  
  
Board reviewed the draft invitation letter. Corrections were made to some of the Board members' titles. The deadline for RSVP's is July 27 to contact Ray; Ray will also do follow-up phone calls if invitees have not responded by the 27th. The mailing list for the coordinators still needs to be finalized. Charlie and Ray are working on completing the list. Letter to go out by the end of the week.


• Logistics
  Ø Room-CIC at City Hall is confirmed and will be open by 7:30 am
  Ø Equipment - a laptop and projector are to be set up so Ray can show our website (need to make sure we have internet access
  Ø Food and beverages - plan to provide breakfast burritos and coffee/juice (Ron and Brownie) Diane will ask Sarah Kane to provide coffee and sugar/crème.
  Ø Other-have available a flip chart and pens
  ¢ Summary Report - prefer to have a written summary of our activities and accomplishments for the past year.
  

2. Crime Stoppers' Payment Box - Stu spoke with Chief Dennis Harrison who said it would not be any problem to locate the payment box at the new Police facility on Timberline. Police are slated to move to the new facility in August 2007.

3. Treasurer's Report -- Current balance and income for the last quarter was reported. Expenses were $356.

Meeting Adjourned at 1:40 pm

Respectfully submitted,
Diane Jones