Grand Rapids recorded 38 homicides in 2020. It was the deadliest year on record. In 2021, 19 people were murdered. Four-and-a-half months into this year, the number of homicides stands at five. Silent Observer, with a mission to stop, solve and prevent crime, is making an even greater commitment marking its 50th anniversary. As shootings and armed robberies increase, so too is the reward amount for tip information solving crimes that Silent Observer points out “perpetrators can no longer kill and/or destroy the lives of their victims and loved ones.”
Tip information that brings those perpetrators to justice are increasing 28% for murders to $3,200. It’s raising shooting with serious injury 33% or $2,000 and its doubling shooting with property damage to $750.
Keeping information confidential and protecting tipsters from retaliation is essential. Silent Observer provides a safe and anonymous process. State law protects tip information and records provided to Silent Observer by phone at 616-774-2345, on line at silentobserver.org or by using the Silent Observer app.