Office of the Inspector General

State Prison Crime Stoppers “Behind the Walls”

To empower victims of violent crime and help protect local communities by serving as a conduit between the Texas Department of Criminal Justice felony offenders and law enforcement in order to provide information that can solve crimes.

State Prison Crime Stoppers is the first ever Crime Stoppers Program in a state prison system. The program taps into a resource that has long been ignored but has a wealth of information. It is designed to work with all law enforcement agencies and local Crime Stoppers chapters throughout Texas.

What We Do

Publish profiles of felony crimes in each edition of the Echo which is distributed to all offenders. Operate a 24-hour toll free hotline for tips.

History of “Behind the Walls”

1984 – TDCJ approved request from Texas CrimeStoppers Advisory Council to allow inmate communication regarding crime solving information to be privileged communication free from inspection
1992 – TDCJ and Crime Stoppers began pilot program at the Ellis facility
1993 – Apprehended one of Texas’ Most Wanted from an offender tip
1997 – Crime Stoppers legislation was passed

Texas Legislature

Redefined Crime Stoppers from a “program” to an “organization”. Changed legislation to define Crime Stoppers as a public organization, that can now operate on a local or statewide level and allows for the expansion of soliciting donations.

Crime Stoppers flow chart

Text Description

Contact Information

Crime Stoppers
P.O. Box 1855
Huntsville, TX 77342
Telephone: (800) 832-8477

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