History

Lodi Area Crime Stoppers Inc. was started in 1984 with the help of Lodi Police Chief Marc Yates, Captain John Martin, and local citizen Bo Katzakian. The program received help during its initial stages from representatives of the Stockton Crime Stopper Program and guidance from Crime Stoppers International. Captain John Martin was Lodi Area Crime Stoppers first law enforcement coordinator and Bo Katzakian was President of the Board of Directors. During the early stages Lodi Crime Stoppers had little operating money for reward payments and relied on an annual car wash fundraiser to help maintain funds.

In 1989 Captain Jerry Adams was appointed as coordinator of Lodi Crime Stoppers by Chief Floyd Williams. In 1991 Board President Diane Coyner proposed a golf tournament fundraiser and in 1991 the first annual Lodi Area Crime Stoppers golf tournament was scheduled for Elkhorn Golf and Country Club. The golf tournament still exists to this day and has become a premiere event in the Lodi area for several years. The tournament was later moved to the Woodbridge Golf and Country Club and with 27 holes of play continues to be a sell-out every year with a growing waiting list annually.

In 2000 Captain Jerry Adams was appointed as Lodi’s 10th Chief of Police and continued to remain as Lodi Area Crime Stoppers Coordinator during his tenure. Chief Adams was recognized in 2000 as California Crime Stopper Coordinator of the Year and was also instrumental in beginning the first school based crime stoppers programs in Lodi’s high schools in the State of California. Chief Adams served a two year term as President of California Crime Stoppers and was a staunch advocate of the Crime Stoppers.

Lodi Crime Stoppers Board Members also have distinguished themselves as well. Dispatch Supervisor and Board Member Teresa Miller served on the California State Board of Crime Stoppers Board as it’s President, as did Marilyn Cook who was a California State President and served on the Crime Stopper International Board as well. Jan Young also served on the California State Board of Directors.

Since Crime Stoppers inception in 1984 Lodi Area Crime Stoppers has accumulated some impressive statistics. As of 2006; total cases cleared are: 533, with 465 arrests made. Property recovered valued in excess of $1,000,000. Total street value of narcotics recovered is approximately $166,000. Secret rewards paid approximately $40,000. The program has and continues to be a positive force in the Lodi and surrounding area to fight crime and bring criminals to justice.