PHOTOS: Senator Moody Brings Together Law Enforcement Professionals During Crime Prevention Month, Introduces New Legislation to Encourage Citizens to Help Fight Crime

Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About Search for: Home How Can I Help? News Contact Us Share Your Opinion Federal Nominations Scheduling Request Storm Preparation About STORM WARNING: Stay informed about the latest weather developments for your area, enact hurricane safety plans, and heed directions from local officials. For more information, click here . All News PHOTOS: Senator Moody Brings Together Law Enforcement Professionals During Crime Prevention Month, Introduces New Legislation to Encourage Citizens to Help Fight Crime Oct 13, 2026 TAMPA, Fla.— Senator Ashley Moody today was joined by dozens of Florida law enforcement professionals in Tampa during National Crime Prevention Month. In Hillsborough County, Senator Moody thanked HCSO deputies and law enforcement officials from across the Tampa Bay region for what they do to keep Floridians safe and spotlighted her ongoing work to support law enforcement—including new legislation to encourage citizens to help in the fight against crime. Nationwide, the FBI recently reported a historic drop in violent crime, and Senator Moody continues to work with the administration and law enforcement to build on that progress and keep communities safe. “It’s National Crime Prevention Month and I joined dozens of law enforcement professionals today in Tampa to thank them for all they do to protect Floridians. While it’s important that we continue working to support the important work of our law enforcement officers, it is vital that citizens are empowered to help fight crime. I worked to create a statewide tip hotline **TIPS as Attorney General, and as Senator, I’m introducing new legislation to help citizens remain anonymous when collecting reward money for helping officers make an arrest. Together, we will continue building a Stronger, Safer Florida,” said Senator Ashley Moody . Senator Moody’s new legislation is endorsed by the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, Florida Sheriffs Association , Southeastern Crime Stoppers Association, and National Fraternal Order of Police . “On behalf of the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, we applaud Senator Ashley Moody for introducing S. 5644 and for recognizing the unique role Crime Stoppers organizations play in supporting law enforcement and protecting the anonymity of those who provide critical information. Crime Stoppers has operated successfully for 50 years because citizens trust that they can provide information anonymously and, when eligible, receive a reward without compromising that anonymity. This legislation addresses an important federal reporting requirement that can create challenges when Crime Stoppers programs make cash reward payments. “We are grateful to Senator Moody for listening to the concerns of Crime Stoppers programs and taking action to help preserve the integrity of the anonymous reward process. We deeply appreciate her leadership in the United States Senate and her continued commitment to supporting law enforcement, public safety, and the Crime Stoppers mission. S. 5644 will help ensure that Crime Stoppers organizations can continue doing what they do best—providing citizens with a safe and anonymous way to help law enforcement solve crimes and make our communities safer,” said Kelly McLaren, President, Florida Association of Crime Stoppers . “On behalf of the Southeastern Crime Stoppers Association, representing Crime Stoppers programs across 14 states and two U.S. territories, we commend U.S. Senator Ashley Moody for introducing S. 5644 and for recognizing the importance of protecting the anonymous reward process that is fundamental to the Crime Stoppers mission. For 50 years, Crime Stoppers has provided citizens with a trusted and anonymous way to share critical information with law enforcement. The success of our programs depends upon maintaining that trust, including when eligible tipsters receive cash rewards for information that helps solve crimes and bring wanted individuals to justice. “S. 5644 addresses a federal reporting requirement that can create challenges for Crime Stoppers organizations when issuing cash reward payments. We appreciate Senator Moody’s leadership in the United States Senate and her willingness to listen to the concerns of Crime Stoppers programs and take action on an issue that impacts programs throughout our region and across the country. The Southeastern Crime Stoppers Association is proud to support legislation that strengthens the ability of Crime Stoppers organizations to protect anonymity, support law enforcement, and continue building safer communities,” said Amy Southards, President, Southeastern Crime Stoppers Association . BACKGROUND: Senator Moody recently introduced a bill to protect the anonymity of Crime Stoppers tipsters when they collect rewards for information that leads to an arrest. The bill would exempt qualifying nonprofit Crime Stoppers cash-reward transacti