Many of us have seen or heard a Crime Stoppers commercial. They are typically reenactments of crimes to help catch culprits with the use of a short production. But did you know that these commercials have local ties to Lethbridge College?
Crime Stoppers works by taking in anonymous tips from the public on cases that are at a halt in the investigation. Those cases are then produced into TV and radio commercials.
Locally, Crime Stoppers has been in operation since 1983. Since its beginning in the city, it has received upwards of 6000 tips; hundreds of cases solved and approximately 3.3 million dollars in drugs and stolen property have been recovered.
Crime Stoppers and the Lethbridge Regional Police Service partner with the Lethbridge College every year to fight crime.
Students in the communication arts program learn to write, film and produce Crime Stoppers like this one here. They are then shown on Shaw TV and CTV in Edmonton. The students in the program work with press releases and police to write scripts for the TV spots.
George Gallant, Communication Arts instructor, says that the partnership benefits the students as well as Crime Stoppers.
“Well for the students there is a huge benefit, especially being a journalist,” said Gallant. “Being able to have some connections with the police service, can help them when they get into their first job.”
The videos are produced by second year students about once a month during the year. The videos are then edited, voiced and sent to the client for approval.
Constable Steve Baker, community liaison for crime prevention says that the police involved also learn from the students.
“It’s a good experience on both ends. For the police to see the media side of it,” said Baker. “Because you know, we are always in the media, always in that spotlight. To be able to see how it works is really good. It’s quite educational for the police themselves just to catch a glimpse of the other sides world.”
He says that by working with the College it helps get the message out in a cost effective way.
In partnership with Lethbridge College, Crime Stoppers gives out two scholarships at the end of the year. One for best production, and one for best performance.
