[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E452]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING FRESNO CRIME STOPPERS

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                         HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 17, 1999

  Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a Fresno Bee 
article on the Fresno Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers has been a 
valuable asset in fighting crime in Fresno.
  ``A televised Fresno Crime Stoppers recently won first place for best 
re-enactment of a crime for cities with a population of 250,000 to 1 
million in a worldwide competition.
  More than 300 cities around the world took part in the contest, 
judged by Crime Stoppers International, which rates entries on their 
creativity and authenticity. The Fresno entry was a re-enactment of 
robbery and homicide at the Ritz Bar in Fowler last year. Two 
representatives of Crime Stoppers received a plaque at the Crime 
Stoppers conferences in Gillette, Wyoming.
  Crime Stoppers is published in The Fresno Bee to help Fresno County 
law enforcement agencies capture crime suspects. The Bee features a 
Crime Stoppers page, which began in January 1998, and is published 
every other month. The Full-page Crime Stoppers layout contains names 
and photographs of the 24 most wanted suspects sought by Fresno 
County's law enforcement agencies and a 24-hour confidential hot line 
to report tips.
  In July 1998, the Crime Stoppers hot line led to the arrests of 27 
fugitives. The suspects were arrested on charges ranging from spousal 
abuse to drug sales to assault with a deadly weapon. Tipsters collected 
$3,600 in rewards. Callers who provide anonymous tips that lead to 
arrests can collect as much as $1,000 in reward money. Callers are not 
required to testify in court.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce The Fresno Bee article, 
``Fresno Crime Stoppers Wins First-place Award.'' This Organization is 
a valuable asset to Fresno. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing 
the Fresno Crime Stoppers many years of continued success.

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