Law & Order

CRIMESTOPPERS ADDITIONS: Turlock and Newman police next month will be the latest law enforcement agencies to participate in the CrimeStoppers program, which provides a hot line for witnesses who want to report a crime or a fugitive's whereabouts. The Stanislaus County CrimeStoppers began in June 2005, and the Modesto Police Department was the only participating agency. The program has grown to include the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, which offers police services for Riverbank, Waterford, Patterson and Hughson. Ceres police, Oakdale police and the Modesto office of the California Department of Corrections Adult Parole Operations also have joined the program. CrimeStoppers tipsters helped law enforcement agencies arrest eight suspects from Jan. 5 to Tuesday for crimes ranging from vandalism to burglary. The CrimeStoppers program has helped arrest 77 suspects thanks to tips received. Hot line callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Since June 2005, more than $10,000 in reward money has been distributed. There are 150 cases and suspects listed on the CrimeStoppers Web site. The Stanislaus County CrimeStoppers Web site can be viewed at www.modestopolice.com/crimestoppers. The hot line number is 521-4636.

MAKING BABY SAFE: Modesto police and the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency's Keep Baby Safe Program will conduct two checkpoints at an undisclosed location within the city limits Tuesday and Friday. They'll be inspecting child safety seats and seat belts. The checkpoints will focus on enforcement and educating residents on the importance of the proper use of child safety seats with the goal of reducing the number of children injured or killed in vehicle crashes. Anyone who would like to make sure their child's safety seat is installed properly should call the Modesto Police Department at 572-9500 for a car seat check appointment.

This story was originally published January 20, 2008 at 3:20 AM with the headline "Law & Order."