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2010 SESSION

10105607D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 386
Offered March 3, 2010
Commending Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers.
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Patrons-- Cole, Orrock and Peace; Senators: Houck and McDougle
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WHEREAS, in 2010 Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers is celebrating its 25th anniversary of assisting the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office in solving crimes; and

WHEREAS, Crime Solvers programs are based on the principal that "someone other than the criminal has information that can solve a crime" and was created to overcome the major reasons citizens do not report criminals or suspicious behavior to law enforcement—fear of reprisal, reluctance to get involved, and apathy or lack of awareness of the right course of action; and

WHEREAS, Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers was established on January 1, 1985, by a group of concerned citizens, George Waite, Ronnie Acors, Hugh Cosner, and Stewart Broaddus with the support and assistance of then elected officials, County Attorney Ron Maupin and Sheriff T.C. Waddy; the founders’ mission was to increase awareness and citizen involvement in fighting neighborhood crime; and

WHEREAS, Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers raised funds to start the program by selling cold drinks and sponsorship advertising booklets at the mall and participating in the annual carnival at the courthouse; and

WHEREAS, Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers staff and volunteers are committed in assisting county law-enforcement officers perform their duty to keep communities safe for all of its residents; and

WHEREAS, Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers has helped decrease crime by implementing a new website in 2008 which increases awareness and educates the public and launched the “Text a Tip” program where tipsters can text information on crimes while remaining anonymous; and

WHEREAS, since January 2008, Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers has paid out over $9,700 in cash rewards; tip information has resulted in 47 arrests involving burglaries, drug distribution, arson, vandalism, breaking and entering, and other crimes and has led to the recovery of stolen and seized property worth over $21,600; and

WHEREAS, most importantly, the information from Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers callers and text tipsters has led to the conviction and incarceration of potentially dangerous criminals; and

WHEREAS, Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers is an integral partner with the community and local law enforcement, helping daily to solve crimes with the support and guidance of Sheriff Howard D. Smith and his deputies; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend and congratulate Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers for its 25 years of dedication, making Virginia’s communities safer; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Spotsylvania County Crime Solvers as an expression of the General Assembly’s appreciation of the organization’s many accomplishments and best wishes for continued success.