The Central Valley experienced a serious crime wave in the 1990's that threatened to turn our pleasant valley way of life into a desolate downward spiral. In an unprecedented decision the City of Fresno Police Department the SWAT team was activated to full-time status. There was more than enough work to keep them busy. The Chief of Police at that time had previously served in the City of Oakland where they experimented with a program entitled "Crime Stoppers". A simple no nonsense program that paid witnesses up to $1,000 for credible tips to help solve crimes.

Crime Stoppers was officially introduced to the City of Fresno in 1994. As a small non-profit the beginnings were very humble. There was a time when the Crime Stoppers board members paid rewards out of their own philanthropic pockets. Since then it has grown to deserve a board with twenty-four directors and numerous corporate sponsors.