Cleburne, TX — The Johnson County Commissioners Court has unanimously approved a plan allowing Crime Stoppers to post signs and banners on county-owned roadway posts in an effort to expand the program’s visibility and encourage community involvement in crime prevention.
Commissioners say the initiative is designed to reach more residents — particularly younger generations — and strengthen the county’s long-standing partnership between law enforcement, the media, and the public.
Expanding Visibility Across the County
The vote came after Crime Stoppers board member Bob Walker proposed the idea to Commissioner Rick Bailey, who said the program’s renewed energy is driven by its message to youth: “Speak up, tell somebody.”
“It’s kind of revitalized with the population of youth that we’ve gotten,” Bailey said. “The message they’re sending — to speak up and be rewarded for that — is great, and it could save a life.”
Currently, only a few Crime Stoppers signs are displayed in the county, including an 8-foot banner outside the Alvarado Police Department. The new initiative aims to add more signs in high-traffic areas to raise awareness about the program’s anonymous reporting system.
“There are signs up around, but maybe not enough signs in high-traffic areas,” Bailey added.
Support From Commissioners
Commissioner Mike White suggested displaying a banner at his Precinct 3 building along Farm-to-Market Road 917 in Alvarado, while Precinct 2 Commissioner Kenny Howell offered to hang banners on his corner fence at County Roads 1902 and 920.
Crime Stoppers board member Patty Maggard praised the county’s support and noted the challenge of reaching all residents with limited resources.
“We’ve been challenged with trying to get the word out about Crime Stoppers being available to our community throughout the county,” Maggard said. “This would be a great help in that.”
She added that banners are cost-effective and durable, lasting about two years for just $120, compared to hundreds of dollars a month for billboards.
Affordable Tools for Awareness
Along with banners, bumper stickers have been distributed on Johnson County Sheriff’s Office vehicles and Cleburne ISD school buses, making the message visible across the community.
“We provided bumper stickers for all the Cleburne ISD school buses, hoping they would be visible,” Walker said.
Maggard added that Crime Stoppers even provides the materials for mounting the signs.
“Not only that, we provide a bonus — the bungee cords recommended to hang them with,” she joked.
The motion to allow Crime Stoppers signage on roadway posts and fencing was approved unanimously.
“Crime is the message, but the real message is to help these kids,” Bailey said. “It’s more important to be driven toward that.”
About Johnson County Crime Stoppers
Founded in 1983, Johnson County Crime Stoppers operates with a volunteer board of 12 directors and monthly participation from local law enforcement agencies. The group offers anonymous tip reporting through a toll-free number, an online portal, or the P3Tips mobile app.
Rewards, ranging from $50 to $1,000, are determined based on the severity of the crime and the usefulness of the information provided.
To remain anonymous, tipsters receive a unique ID number and passcode rather than providing personal information. Cash rewards are paid through bank drive-through locations, ensuring full confidentiality.
County officials hope that increased visibility through the new signage program will lead to more community engagement, safer neighborhoods, and more crimes solved.
What are your thoughts on Johnson County’s new plan to expand Crime Stoppers’ reach? Share your views in the comments below.
