Crime Stoppers strengthens community trust across Windsor-Essex
For many locals, Crime Stoppers is something they might recognize from a billboard, a TV commercial, or maybe even an advertisement on a park bench. It’s a reminder of the option to report information anonymously. In Windsor-Essex, Crime Stoppers has quietly grown into something more personal. It has become a connection between concern and action, and a steady presence, building a bridge between personal accountability and the needs of the community.
Windsor-Essex County Crime Stoppers exists to give people a voice without fear.
Keeping Us and Our Community Safe
“We promote community safety,” explains Crime Stoppers program manager Greg Rumpel. “Not only as a whole, but as close to home as your own neighbourhood.”
The notion, that safety is close to home, is something Rumpel touches on often when he discusses the role of Crime Stoppers in our community. He says it’s not just about solving crimes after they happen, but about giving people the confidence to speak up before situations escalate.
“It’s totally anonymous,” he states. “You never have to worry about your name being out there. That’s what makes people comfortable.”
Built on a system of anonymity and trust, Crime Stoppers requires a level of faith in the process, the coordinators handling information, and the belief that even a small detail can make a difference here at home.
While individual cases remain confidential, Rumpel explains that the impact of anonymous tips are felt across the region every day. Your tips lead to major investigations, provide a helping hand to the community, and help to reassure residents that someone is listening.
Connecting With The Community
Not every impact comes from a tip. Sometimes, it comes from a conversation. Crime Stoppers often engages in community events where their staff are not behind a desk or phone line, but standing in parks, schools, or community halls speaking directly with families—making connections and building trust.
During Police Week at Devonshire Mall, an event that takes place annually during the second week of May, interactive displays include a fun and lighthearted “jail” setup for children to experience. “They went in and took pictures,” says Rumpel. “Those types of things resonate because we’re not intimidating. We’re somebody they feel they can approach.”
For the families of Windsor-Essex, these moments can help reshape how safety organizations are seen. Not distorted as distant and intimidating authority figures, but as approachable members of the community who are here to help. “It’s those smaller events where you actually get to interact with people,” explains Rumpel. “Those are the ones that really make an impact.”
Since the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, Crime Stoppers has spent much of the past few years rebuilding its public presence. Showing up consistently at health fairs, schools, charity events, and senior outreach programs across Windsor-Essex, they are working to reconnect with the public and re-establish the symbiotic trust required to be an effective partner.
Their focus often centres on prevention, educating the public about online scams that target seniors and fraud attempts aimed at youth. “Our guys go into schools and senior centres,” reports Rumpel. “We talk about scams, internet safety, and what people should watch for. It’s about prevention as much as response.”
Crime Stoppers has also grown its digital reach, with nearly 10,000 Facebook followers helping share alerts and safety messages. “What that says is that people care,” explains Rumpel. “They want their community to be safe.”
Structurally, Crime Stoppers is supported by a volunteer board and multiple police partners. Rumpel explains that collaboration has been key in rebuilding momentum. “It gives us confidence to go out there and know we can make a difference,” he adds.
Making That Difference
Connection, collaboration, and outreach are key, because Crime Stoppers only works if people trust it enough to use it. “If somebody is worried about calling in, they don’t have to worry about retribution,” he says. “Nobody knows where the tip came from. That’s the point.”
Crime Stoppers board president Brenda Roberts feels that their connection to the Windsor-Essex community continues to define them and give them purpose. “I feel very fortunate to live in a community that is very supportive and interactive with our organization,” she says. “Our ongoing events help foster this relationship and allow us to support the safety and security of our community.”
For Rumpel, that connection between people, is what gives the work meaning. Crime Stoppers isn’t just about the information coming in. It is about someone, somewhere, feeling safe enough to speak, and knowing that when they do, it matters.
