Anonymous Tips Lead to 83 Arrests, Recovered Drugs and Firearms Across Southern Arizona Through 88-Crime Program

TUCSON, AZ — Anonymous tips from members of the public helped Southern Arizona law enforcement agencies make 83 arrests, close 104 cases and recover stolen property, drugs and firearms during the latest fiscal year, according to 88-Crime.

The nonprofit program said tipsters played a role in cases across the region, including investigations that led to two homicide resolutions, one sexual assault case and one hit-and-run.

Rewards and recoveries

88-Crime reported that investigators recovered $38,040 in stolen property, $40,165 in illegal drugs and nine firearms based on information from anonymous callers and app users.

The program also paid out $55,600 in rewards during the fiscal year. Officials said every dollar used for those payments came from private donations.

Cases tied to tips

Officials said 30 fugitive investigations were part of the total, involving people wanted for serious offenses such as homicide, aggravated assault, firearms violations and human smuggling.

Another six cases involved drug sales and distribution, while numerous other felony investigations were advanced by the public reports.

How the program works

88-Crime is a nonprofit that lets people report suspected criminal activity anonymously and partners with local law enforcement agencies and the Pima County Attorney’s Office.

Program Coordinator James Allerton said the results show how community members can have a direct effect on public safety across Southern Arizona.

Ways to submit tips

People can share anonymous information by calling 88CRIME at 520-882-7463, visiting 88crime.org or using the P3 Tips mobile app.

The program says the goal is to help investigators while keeping tipsters’ identities private.

TNSO covers California, Nevada, and Arizona as the story unfolds.