Local Crime Stoppers Program Suspended

Data breaches detected in a Crime Stoppers computer program has gained national headlines and Moose Jaw is not immune.

Like other Crime Stoppers programs in the province Moose Jaw’s program has been shut down after a data breach may have allowed the true identities of anonymous tipsters to be detected by unauthorized parties.

The temporary shutdown came after a CBC investigative report found a massive data breach by hackers this past March left the identities of 1.5 million tipsters exposed.

Navigate360 — the third-party U.S.-based company that manages all of Crime Stoppers international tips recently admitted to the hack months after it occurred. Hackers compromised P3, the third-party tip-management software used by Crime Stoppers organizations across Canada.

Crime Stoppers is an independent organization that allows tipsters to anonymously provide information about crimes in exchange for cash.

Lyle Johnson Chairman of Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers said Moose Jaw is not immune and the program here is temporarily shut fown.

“MJ Crime Stoppers is on a pause at present , as are all crime stopper programs, while the administrators of the program evaluate and address the concerns,” Johnson said.

Johnson confirmed “a security breach was discovered and some info was acquired involving privacy issues.”

Asked about exactly what data was acquired he said “I don't know what information was breached or how that was obtained by the "unscrupulous individuals"

Although he couldn’t state exactly how much shutting down Crime Stoppers temporarily would effect investigations Johnson said it could have an impact.

“I am not aware of the effects on our police service but know it could slow down investigations by our excellent police force. Crime Stoppers is a tool that can assist the police in their investigations, It won't stop the good work of our police force.”

Asked about when Crime Stoppers continue he said “No idea. Hopefully sooner than later.”

When Crime Stoppers does return Johnson said there would likely be some sort of public relations campaign about it.

“We will probably do some to let the community know we are back in business.”

Johnson pointed out the strong history of Crime Stoppers in the community as evidence it will come back stronger than ever.

“Moose Jaw Crime Stoppers has always functioned as a group based on anonymity. We do not use names or phone numbers of informants, tipsters, perpetrators, or others involved in our communications. 50 years of success and thousands of successful resolutions of crimes in our city,” he said.

The Moose Jaw Police Service declined comment on Crime Stoppers as it is a private third organization.