Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Carmen S. Adams, Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale, Birmingham Police Chief A.C. Roper and Lyle Mitchell, Chairman, Birmingham Regional Crime Stoppers announced today a new initiative designed to encourage area youth to come forward with information relating to criminal acts or suspicious behavior.

The program, entitled "It's Your Call," (IYC) is a joint public and private initiative that reaches out to young people, demonstrating that there is a safe and anonymous method to report crime. IYC's focus is the youth of Birmingham and surrounding area, and it's goal is to motivate and empower them to make a difference for their families, their neighborhoods, and their world. Young people are being asked to take responsibility, yet remain safe and anonymous.

Organizers and others will distribute brochures which will encourage youth to call Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777 or go to the Crime Stoppers website, to anonymously report crime. Additionally, public service announcements (PSA), and billboards will also encourage citizens to come forward with information. Free IYC T-shirts will be distributed to the youth of the Birmingham area and law enforcement officials will be available to speak at town halls and other public meetings about the important role witnesses play in reducing violent crime.

IYC is modeled on a program which was originally started by the Philadelphia FBI office and the Mothers In Charge program. The Philadelphia program, entitled "Step Up - Speak Up," began in opposition to the "Stop Snitching" T-shirts and other forms of witness intimidation that became prevalent in Philadelphia and the east coast a few years ago.

FBI SAC Carmen S. Adams noted the importance of the public's involvement: "Information received from the public regarding criminal activity is critical to the mission of law enforcement and to reducing violent crime. The message I want to send to the youth of the Birmingham is to get involved in the crime solution. You can make a difference in your community. If you know something about a crime, make the call to Crime Stoppers."

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford: "We want to make our citizens feel safe in reporting crime, and know that they can trust the police to keep their calls anonymous."

Jefferson County District Attorney David Barber: "When people express their concerns about crime in the community, it's critical that they understand that crime fighting isn't just for the police and the prosecutors. We cannot prosecute a single case without a witness, and that's where the citizens have to step up and speak up so that ALL of us can enjoy a safer community."

Birmingham Chief of Police A.C. Roper: "We need and want our young people to make their voices heard, especially as it pertains to issues that affect their safety and well being. The Birmingham Police Department strongly supports the, "It's Your Call" initiative. This is a fantastic vehicle in which our youth can take ownership of their communities and stand up to help fight crime. All it takes is a simple phone call."

Sheriff Mike Hale, Jefferson County Sheriff's Department: "Crime Stoppers is a time honored program that has been an incredible tool for law enforcement. We think "It's Your Call" has a chance to be an equally effective way to reach out to our young people. It will allow us to gain valuable information without putting them in harms way. That's a win-win for area law enforcement and we are excited about it."

Lyle Mitchell, Chairman, Birmingham Regional Crime Stoppers: "Birmingham Regional Crime Stopperswas honored to be asked to participate with the other partners in this most worthwhile initiative to help fight crime in our area. While "It's Your Call" may be a new initiative for some, Birmingham Regional Crime Stoppers has always relied on citizens making "their call" to Crime Stoppers and reporting what they see and hear to help solve crime and put criminals in jail."

Teresa Thorne, Executive Director, City Action Partnership (CAP) and Chair of the IYC Committee: "If we could make one change that would totally flip the balance of power regarding crime in our communities, it would be to have everyone step up and report what they see or know or hear, to have everyone take responsibility for their neighborhoods."

IYC was coordinated in close cooperation and support of a wide variety of public and private partners, including:

• Birmingham Regional Crime Stoppers
• City Action Partnership (CAP)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Jefferson County District Attorney's Office
• Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
• Jefferson County Family Court
• Jefferson County Department of Health
• City of Birmingham Mayor's Office
• Birmingham Weed and Seed
• The City of Birmingham Division of Youth Services
• The Birmingham City School System  
• Birmingham Police Department
• The United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of Alabama  
• Advantage Marketing
• Parents Against Violence
• Alabama Youth Against Violence
• FBI Citizens' Academy Alumni Association (FBICAAA)
• Cox Radio - 95.7 JAMZ and 98.7 KISS FM
• Lamar Outdoor Advertising        
• ABC 33/40
• The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute  
• Region 2020
• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
• Park Place

Anyone who wishes to support the It's Your Call program may make a tax-deductible

donation to the FBI Citizens' Academy Alumni Association and noting "IYC" in the memo portion of the check.

One hundred percent of all donations marked for It's Your Call will go directly to the It's Your Call initiative.

Donations should be made payable to and sent to:   
                 FBICAAA

                 c/o Jacquelyn Shaia, Secretary

                 50 Browning Walls

                 Homewood, Alabama 35209