Crime Stoppers of Michigan called for citizens in Southeastern Michigan to "speak up" in the fight on crime at a special news conference June 21 at GM World in the Renaissance Center.

Surrounded by support from law enforcement agencies throughout Southeast Michigan, John Broad, president of the nonprofit crime fighting organization, announced the official launch of the "Speak Up!" campaign - a new targeted effort to encourage Michiganders to "speak up" and help in the effort to solve area crimes.

Dignitaries from across the seven-county Greater Detroit area were in attendance to show their support for Crime Stoppers, including Detroit Police Chief Ella Bully Cummings, Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans and the Michigan State Police Southeast Criminal Investigation Division commander, Capt. Annemarie Gibson. All spoke briefly about the need for citizens to speak up and their support of the new campaign.

"The 'Speak Up!' campaign will further our organization's mission of empowering the citizens of Southeastern Michigan to make their neighborhoods safer," Broad said. "Crime statistics have risen across the state and we need the help of Michigan's citizens now more than ever to speak up."

As part of the new program, the organization's Web site, www.1800speakup.org, was unveiled.

The new and enhanced site, created by Symcon, Inc. of Detroit, will:

·         Provide citizens with up-to-date information on area crimes;

·         Act as an additional resource for Michigan's law enforcement community to help them communicate more effectively with each other;

·         Include unique online anonymous tip reporting capabilities, previously only possible via the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line, 1-800-SPEAK-UP;

·         Support with the apprehension of Michigan's Most Wanted.

Also as part of the "Speak Up!" campaign - Crime Stoppers of Michigan has launched the Speak Up! club, a new personal membership program in which citizens can support Crime Stoppers of Michigan while enjoying some important benefits, including special discounts from Speak Up! club retail partners such as Dunkin' Donuts, Olympia Entertainment, Buddy's Pizza and more.

Beginning today, anyone can visit the new Web site, www.1800speakup.org, and sign up to become a member. For a minimum $50 tax-deductible donation, Speak Up! club members will receive:

·         Increased access to Crime Stoppers staff and other crime solving and crime fighting resources;

·         A Speak Up! club membership card to show at area retailers for special discounts only provided for club members;

·         Instant e-mail updates on crimes in your area, most wanted criminals and additional valuable information;

·         An e-newsletter featuring monthly safety tips and vital information citizens should know;

·         Invitations to Crime Stoppers' sponsored events.

In conjunction with the kick-off of the Speak Up! club and launch of the new Website, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm proclaimed June 21 "Crime Stoppers Day in Michigan" in recognition of the organization's work to keep their communities safe.

For more information about Crime Stoppers of Michigan or the new "Speak Up!" Campaign, please visit www.1800speakup.org.

About Crime Stoppers of Michigan
The Alliance for a Safer Greater Detroit, a 501-C3 non-profit, is the parent organization for Crime Stoppers. Launched as part of a partnership alliance of business, law enforcement and community leaders, Crime Stoppers encourages people to provide information that will solve serious crimes that occur in the region through publicizing crimes and wanted criminals; providing an anonymous tip line; and furnishing rewards for information that leads to an arrest.  In 2006, more than 1,700 tips were received from all areas of Southeastern Michigan and more than $50,000 has been paid in rewards leading to arrests and closed cases. Crime Stoppers of Michigan serves the counties of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Livingston, Washtenaw and St. Clair. For more information about Crime Stoppers and The Alliance for a Safer Greater Detroit, please visit www.1800speakup.org.