>From Staff Reports
Cumberland Times-News The Cumberland Times-News

OAKLAND — The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office recently adopted the full-time responsibilities for the county’s Crime Solvers Program.

The Sheriff’s Office worked with former Garrett County government intern Andrew Sauder of Oakland, who took on the project to put Garrett County Crime Solvers on the web during the fall of 2010.

Sauder worked with the sheriff’s office staff over a six-month period to develop a website tailor-made to the sheriff’s request.

“Sauder’s hard work will be a tremendous benefit to the citizens of Garrett County,” said Sheriff Rob Corley.

Sauder developed www.garrettcountycrimesolvers.org to be a user-friendly website that allows anyone using a computer to leave the sheriff’s office a tip on specific or general crimes, drug information and information on individuals with outstanding warrants. It also allows citizens to view specific cases that are being worked, all a mouse click away while remaining anonymous. Tipsters have the opportunity to check the website to see if their specific tip — which is pass-code protected — earned them a cash reward.

Corley urges county residents to become involved with his office by visiting the Crime Solvers website to become familiar with it and suggested adding it to their favorites list.

Corley said, “Even though you may not have information on a crime, you may know someone that does and can pass the site on to them through e-mail. Or, you may think the information you have is not important, but it may turn out to be a substantial lead in a case.

“We are excited about the future of Crime Solvers and hope the citizens of Garrett County join us in the fight to keep the streets free of crime,” he said.

The sheriff also invites citizens to their local town meetings that will be conducted this month. The meetings will include staff members who will give a presentation on Crime Solvers.

Crime Solvers is fully funded by private donations from citizens and businesses. Anyone wishing to donate monetary funds to the Crime Solvers reward fund may do so by contacting Garrett County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Assistant Brenda Reckner during business hours at 301-334-1911.

The sheriff’s office is planning annual fundraisers and will rely heavily on private business for their donations.

“Citizens and businesses working together will greatly increase a positive outcome to crime in this county. Crime Solvers is one more tool to help that move forward,” said Corley.

The original landline number for Garrett County Crime Solvers, 301-334-1975, will also be maintained at the sheriff’s office. However, the new Web-based program will be the preferred and most efficient means to leave a tip.

Sauder is a student at Frostburg State University where he is majoring in information technology. The 20-year-old Frostburg resident was raised in Garrett County. He is a 2008 graduate of Southern High School.

Corley expressed his gratitude to Sauder, presenting him with a gift card and a certificate of recognition for his outstanding community service.

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