ABC13 hosts 'Partners Against Crime' town hall honoring Crime Stoppers of Houston
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- In 1980, a group of concerned Houston citizens came together to offer a system that promised anonymity and cash rewards for tips about major criminal offenders.
Forty years later, Crime Stoppers of Houston is one of the most successful and productive organizations of its kind.
ABC13, Houston's news leader, hosted a one-hour town hall, underlining Crime Stoppers of Houston's groundbreaking work and international influence in solving and preventing serious crime.
13 Unsolved's Courtney Fischer is bringing together key players from across the city to highlight how Crime Stoppers is making a difference, in celebration of its ruby anniversary and 40-year partnership with ABC13 Houston.
Panelists for the town hall included:
- Amy Smith, Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council
- Andy Kahan, Crime Stoppers of Houston Victim Services
- Chief Art Acevedo, Houston Police Department
- Dave Ward, ABC13 anchor emeritus
- Rania Mankarious, Crime Stoppers of Houston CEO
- Scott Aronstein, Houston business owner
While the world might have slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, Crime Stoppers never missed a beat, keeping the famed 713-222-TIPS tip line open. But the organization does so much more, offering critical services to all who need them.
From working on felony bail reform and rising crime rates, to going straight into coronavirus response, warning people of the many scams that are sweeping through our area, to being on the front lines, bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community after George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis, it's been an incredibly busy year for Crime Stoppers.
Viewers are urged to make a donation to support Crime Stoppers' vital work in the community online or by texting CS40for40 to 91999.
