For more than 40 years, Silent Witness has worked within the community, pairing with media and law enforcement, to solve and prevent crimes. Since 1979, through the work of Silent Witness, nearly 13,000 felony crimes have been solved in the Valley. Rab Paquette, president, discusses the nonprofit’s greatest challenges, how readers can help and Silent Witness’ upcoming fundraising golf tournament.
What is the mission ofĀ the nonprofit?Ā SilentĀ WitnessĀ is dedicated to creating safer communities by working in partnership with citizens, media and law enforcement to solve and prevent crime within the state of Arizona. Although it works in partnership with the Phoenix Police Department, it is a separate, community-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All of the rewards paid out are funded entirely through private donations and grants ā not taxes.Ā
What prompted the start of the nonprofit? Silent Witness was started in 1979 to help prevent and solve felony crimes in the Valley.
What is the greatest reward in being involved withĀ the nonprofit?Ā The greatest reward in being involved withĀ SilentĀ WitnessĀ is removing violent felons from the streets of the Phoenix Metro area. This protects our families and communities.
What is the biggest challenge the nonprofit faces? One of the biggest challenges atĀ SilentĀ WitnessĀ is getting the word out to the community and to detectives about our anonymous service and the fantastic success we have.
What are your goals for the remainder of 2023? My goals for the remainder of 2023 are to continue our outreach to all law enforcement, connecting more deeply with the Hispanic community and continue our excellent work relationship with local and federal law enforcement.
How can readers help?Ā Readers can help by submitting anonymous tips for unsolved crimes and by making a tax deductible donation to be used toward rewards atĀ silentwitness.org/donate/.
Does theĀ nonprofit have any events or fundraisers on the horizon?Ā Yes,Ā SilentĀ WitnessāĀ 2023 Catch a Crook Golf Tournament is coming up on Nov. 9 at Papago Golf Club. For more information, visitĀ silentwitness.org.