Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers

What Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers does

The Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers (OACS) is a not-for-profit charitable organization (CRA registration no. 890147796RR0001) that coordinates 37 local Crime Stoppers programs throughout the Canadian province of Ontario. Founded under the global Crime Stoppers concept originated by Greg MacAleese in 1976, OACS operates as a neutral intermediary between community, media, and law enforcement—explicitly not part of the police. Its core service enables anonymous crime reporting via a province-wide toll-free tip line (1-800-222-TIPS / 8477) and the secure P3 Tips online web portal, which supports encrypted text submissions and file uploads (video, audio, and photo, up to 100MB). Tips are routed to local police and investigative agencies (including the OPP and RCMP), and qualifying tipsters can claim cash rewards of up to $2,000 without ever revealing their identity, paid in safe public settings.

The underlying technology stack is anchored by the third-party P3 Tips tip management software, which provides a centralized database assigning unique TIP ID numbers and passwords to tipsters for follow-up inquiries and reward status. The organization supplements tip intake with a video media library (hosted on YouTube) covering awareness campaigns on human trafficking, youth opioid use, domestic abuse, break-and-enter, and other crime categories; an annual awards program recognizing excellence across the 37 member programs; and a virtual annual training conference for program coordinators (the 2026 edition scheduled for June 13, 2026). Cumulative program statistics as of January 8, 2024 report 126,002 arrests made, 133,560 cases cleared, $8.8 million in rewards approved, and $2.26 billion in total dollars recovered (drugs seized and property recovered combined).

OACS is funded almost entirely through community fundraising, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships from organizations including Suncor, Interac, Circle K, the Ontario Ministry of Finance, and the Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor General; the organization explicitly states it is not government funded beyond a minimal subsidy for after-hours call centre operations. Strategic partners include the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association and Crime Stoppers International (1,800+ programs worldwide), with exclusive operational alliances such as Circle K Crime Busters (retail crime) and KYCS Theft Recovery and Tracking (anti-theft RFID technology). The target population served is the general public as tipsters, with local law enforcement agencies as operational partners.

Name

Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers

Legal name

Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers

Website

https://ontariocrimestoppers.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers is a not-for-profit charitable organization that coordinates 37 local Crime Stoppers programs across Ontario, enabling anonymous crime reporting via a toll-free tip line and the P3 Tips secure online portal, bridging the public, media, and law enforcement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Safety Services

NAICS

Investigation and Personal Background Check Services (561611), Investigation and Security Services (5616)

SIC

Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)

akta.pro primary industry

Victim Services & Witness Assistance (Justice System) (BPAIAFAJ)

Keywords

• Anonymous crime reporting
• Community crime prevention
• Tip line services
• Law enforcement coordination
• Reward-based tip programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Ontario

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Community Fundraising and Donations: Revenue generated through community fundraising events, individual donations, and local business contributions. Not funded by government programs (except minimal subsidy for after-hours call centre).
2. Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships from various organizations including Ontario Ministry of Finance, Suncor, Interac, Circle K, and others. Includes in-kind support and financial contributions.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers coordinates 37 local Crime Stoppers programs that enable citizens to anonymously report crime tips via a toll-free line (1-800-222-TIPS) and the P3 Tips encrypted online portal. Tips are securely transferred to local law enforcement, and qualifying tipsters can claim cash rewards (up to $2,000 for serious crimes) without ever revealing their identity. The organization operates as a registered not-for-profit charity funded by donations and corporate sponsorships.

Product overview

The Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers coordinates 37 local Crime Stoppers programs throughout Ontario, operating as a not-for-profit charitable organization. The core technology platform is P3 Tips, a secure online web portal and centralized database for anonymous crime tip submission and management, supplemented by a province-wide phone hotline (1-800-222-TIPS / 8477). Tipsters can submit text tips and upload video, audio, and photo evidence (up to 100MB) through encrypted, confidential channels. Tips are securely transferred to local law enforcement agencies, and qualifying tipsters can claim cash rewards (up to $2,000) without ever revealing their identity. The organization also provides a video media library of educational content, an annual awards program recognizing excellence among member programs, and annual training conferences for program coordinators.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• P3 Tips Online Tip Submission Portal A secure, encrypted online web portal used by all Ontario Crime Stoppers programs to receive and manage anonymous crime tips. Supports text submissions plus video, audio, and photo file uploads up to 100MB. After submission, tipsters receive a unique TIP ID and password to check tip status, add information, or collect rewards.
• Crime Tip Hotline (1-800-222-TIPS) A province-wide 24/7 anonymous tip line (1-800-222-TIPS / 8477) operated by the Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers. No caller identification, tracing, or tracking is used. Tipsters receive a unique TIP ID and password to follow up on tips or collect rewards.
• Anonymous Tip Management Service Core service providing confidential, encrypted processing and secure transfer of crime tips directly to local police and investigative agencies. The system ensures tipster anonymity, routes tips to appropriate law enforcement, and enables tipsters to check tip status and claim rewards using their unique TIP ID without ever identifying themselves.
• Tipster Reward Program Cash rewards approved by local Crime Stoppers Boards of Directors for tips that help solve crimes. Rewards range based on crime severity — up to $2,000 for serious crimes (murder, sexual assault, drug trafficking, weapons, human trafficking), with smaller payouts for less severe crimes. Tipsters never have to identify themselves when collecting rewards, which are paid in safe public settings.
• Community Crime Awareness Campaigns Awareness initiatives covering topics including human trafficking, drug/fentanyl trafficking, domestic abuse, break and enter, hate crimes, gender violence, railway vandalism, and youth safety. The organization coordinates 37 local Crime Stoppers programs throughout Ontario to build safe neighborhoods through community collaboration.
• Crime Stoppers Video Media Library Educational and awareness video content hosted on YouTube and embedded on the OACS website. Includes the Youth Opioid Awareness Campaign, Student Crime Stoppers programs, human trafficking awareness content, and case features from various Ontario Crime Stoppers programs.
• OACS Annual Training Conference Annual virtual training conference for Ontario Crime Stoppers program coordinators and members. Provides training on program operations, crime prevention initiatives, and best practices. The 2026 conference is scheduled for June 13, 2026 via Zoom, limited to 100 participants from member programs.
• OACS Awards Program Annual awards program recognizing excellence among the 37 Ontario Crime Stoppers programs. Categories include the Marla Moon Memorial Award of Excellence, President's Award, Coordinator Achievement, Civilian Achievement, Community Service, Online Excellence, Outstanding Fundraiser, and media/engagement awards for print, video, radio, and student programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 126,002 arrests made through tip information
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability4 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Ontario Ministry of FinancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment sponsor providing funding for contraband tobacco awareness program. The Ministry of Finance partnership addresses illegal tobacco trade linked to criminal activity.
• SuncorcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor supporting Crime Stoppers operations. Suncor's purpose includes providing trusted energy while caring for communities.
• InteraccoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate sponsor facilitating secure financial transactions. Partnership leverages Interac's commitment to security.
• Circle K Crime BusterscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive retail partnership working with community and law enforcement to stop, solve and prevent crime specifically against retailers. Vision is safe and secure environment for customers and employees.
• KYCS Theft Recovery and TrackingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive partnership to develop innovative anti-theft technology. Launched Keep Your Community Safe Program with KYCS Protector RFID signal blocker. Works with dealerships in auto, RV, powersports, marine, construction sectors.
• Ontario Ministry of the Solicitor GeneralcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment sponsor committed to ensuring Ontario's communities are supported and protected by law enforcement and public safety systems that are safe, secure, effective, efficient and accountable.
• Ministry of Natural ResourcesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment partner protecting Ontario's biodiversity while promoting economic opportunities in the resource sector and supporting outdoor recreation.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada - Wildlife Enforcement DirectorateminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal partner informing Canadians about protecting and conserving natural heritage, and ensuring clean, safe and sustainable environment.
• Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerProvincial regulatory agency supporting responsible gambling and gaming regulation in Ontario.
• Canadian Tobacco Manufacturers' CouncilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry association established in 1963 to interface with Government on smoking and health issues.
• Ontario Federation of AgricultureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLargest general farm organization in Ontario representing 38,000 farm family members.
• Used Car Dealers Association of Ontario (UCDA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerNot-for-profit association founded in 1984 representing nearly 5,000 dealers across Ontario, dedicated to enhancing image of used vehicle industry.
• Contraband Tobacco InitiativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiative founded by Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers in partnership with Ontario Ministry of Finance. Addresses profits from contraband tobacco linked to criminal activity, drug trafficking, illegal weapons, and other illicit activities.
• Canadian Crime Stoppers AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational body that OACS represents Ontario at, working on standardization and information sharing across Canadian programs.
• Crime Stoppers InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization with 1,800+ programs worldwide. OACS represents Ontario at international level, sharing best practices and standards.
• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial police service partnering with Crime Stoppers to receive and investigate anonymous tips. OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique supports Crime Stoppers Month.
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal police service receiving Crime Stoppers tips and supporting national crime prevention efforts. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has recognized Crime Stoppers Month.
• CHCH TVminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTelevision partner collaborating on Best Video Feature award-winning Evening News segment with Crime Stoppers of Hamilton Inc.
• Tivoli Films Inc.minorGTM or Marketing PartnerFilm production partner collaborating on award-winning Her Story video feature with Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington.
• The Local Biz MagazineminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal media partner collaborating on Best Print Feature award with Durham Regional Crime Stoppers.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Crime Stoppers of the District of Cochrane: One of the 37 local Ontario programs coordinated by OACS. Comparable as a local tip-line program operating the same model, anonymous tip submission, and reward administration, illustrating how OACS's network is composed.
• Crime Stoppers USA: U.S. national association supporting hundreds of local Crime Stoppers programs across the United States. Operates under the same Crime Stoppers International umbrella as OACS and uses a near-identical anonymous tip + reward model, making it a strong international peer.
• Silent Observer (P3 Tips partner programs): Michigan-based community crime-tip program using P3 Tips as its online submission platform—the same underlying technology stack OACS runs. Highly comparable on technology infrastructure, anonymous tip management, and nonprofit community-funded model.
• WeTip: U.S.-based nonprofit operating a 24/7 anonymous crime tip hotline (with online and multilingual submission) and offering cash rewards up to $5,000. Highly comparable on mission (anonymous tip intermediation), nonprofit structure, and reward-based incentive model, though U.S.-focused.
• BC Crime Stoppers: Provincial Crime Stoppers body serving British Columbia with the same anonymous tip line + P3 Tips online portal + cash reward model. A direct sibling organization to OACS, operating under the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association umbrella with near-identical program structure.
• Crime Stoppers International: Global umbrella organization uniting 1,800+ Crime Stoppers programs across more than 25 countries. OACS participates directly through this body, making it the closest structural peer in terms of mission (anonymous tip intermediation), operating model (nonprofit, community-media-law-enforcement triangle), and brand governance.
• Canadian Crime Stoppers Association: National coordinating body in which OACS represents Ontario. Operates the same anonymous tip-line / reward model across Canadian provinces and runs parallel program standardization, training, and awards—making it the most directly comparable peer at the national tier.
• Alberta Crime Stoppers: Provincial Crime Stoppers body serving Alberta using the same anonymous tip infrastructure and reward-based incentive model. Operates as a direct sibling to OACS under the Canadian Crime Stoppers Association.

Broad incumbents

• Metro Toronto Police Non-Emergency Reporting: Toronto Police Service operates its own online and phone-based reporting channels that overlap with Crime Stoppers tip categories. Comparable as a tip-intake channel for the same Ontario public, but as part of a broader public safety mandate rather than a focused anonymous-tip nonprofit.

Others

• P3 Tips (Software Suite): Third-party technology platform that powers OACS's secure online tip submission, encrypted transfer, multimedia upload, and TIP ID management. Functions as an enabling technology vendor rather than a competitor, but its product roadmap directly shapes OACS's digital tip-line capabilities.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CSOntario

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Ontario Association of Crime Stoppers