There's a word some teens use to describe people who tell on their friends, even it's to stop a crime.  Justin McCorvey, a 17-year old from Birmingham, says, "we often use the excuse, 'maybe if I tell, I'll be called a snitch or maybe I'll be the next victim.'"  However, with crime rates rising, McCorvey believes the time for excuses is over. 

Speaking at the launch of the "It's Your Call" initiative, he said, "We should not have to look to the mayor, the police chief, the city council or any other city official to make our city safer. It as we as youth. It is our job to stand up and speak out."Convincing other young people of that is the goal of the new initiative, which encourages Birmingham teenagers, even children, to call Crime Stoppers if they have information that can help police.

The program is backed by Birmingham police, FBI (web) and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.  Sheriff Mike Hale told the young people, "If you love your community and I know you do, if you love your brothers and sisters in the schools, if you love your cousins, if you love your neighbors, please call this program. We will protect you."

The same Crime Stoppers policies that apply to adult callers will also be followed with anyone under 18 who calls.  The calls are never recorded, and names are never asked.  Also, cash rewards are paid to those who provide information that leads to a felony arrest.  The number to Crime Stoppers is (205) 254-7777.  Tips may also be provided on-line at www.birminghamcrimestoppers.org

 

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