Prisoners could soon be given access to a confidential crime hotline — so they can give information from behind bars.The Crime Stoppers programme has seen success in prisons worldwide and that initiative could soon be replicated here.Crime Stoppers Bermuda chairman John Drew is now in the final stages of developing a programme with senior staff at Westgate that would see the phone service introduced there.Once the programme is complete, inmates will be able to confidentially provide information on crimes or potential crimes.“I got involved with Crime Stoppers as I felt that on an Island of this size a confidential means of reporting crimes was vital,” he said.“In a small community people are going to be fearful of talking to the police and being identified as an informant of witness as the repercussions can be serious.“Over the years I have seen many examples of the effectiveness of Crime Stoppers in helping to solve major crimes and it is incredibly satisfying, particularly in the case of violent incidents, to be supporting the police service in getting results.”His efforts over the past 17 years with the organisation were recognised with a Bermuda CableVision Community Service Award.Said National Security Minister Wayne Perinchief: ”I know personally of the time commitment and hard work that John has put in to making Crime Stoppers the success it is today on this Island.“It not only helps to solve crime and ensure that offenders receive the punishment they deserve, but also Crime Stoppers Bermuda serves as a deterrent as would-be criminals recognise its power of detection and have second thoughts.”Almost $64,000 has been given to people who have provided crime information since the charity was founded in 1995.Said Mr Drew: “My wife and her mother were the victims of a violent crime in Hamilton in 1985, in which my wife was shot in the face, leading to her mother suffering a heart attack at the scene.“Experiencing such a harrowing crime against my family also inspired me to support Crime Stoppers.“The capture of the perpetrator could have been achieved if witnesses would have felt they could speak up without worrying about what might happen to them or their family as a result. “CableVision general manager Terry Roberson said Crime Stoppers has accomplished much since it was introduced to the Island.“To date, Crime Stoppers Bermuda has received over 3,600 tips resulting in more than 300 arrests.“The organisation is responsible for the recovery of more than $1.6 million dollars worth of property and seizure of more than $22 million dollars of drugs.“With today’s award we show our appreciation to Mr Drew for his role in helping to keep our streets safer.”Information may be left anonymously on Crime Stoppers Bermuda’s 24-hour hotline 800-TIPS (8477) or at www.crimestoppers.bm.