Vicksburg police Capt. Sandra Williams was named Law Enforcement Coordinator of the Year and the Vicksburg Police Department was named one of three Top Supporting Law Enforcement Agencies of the Year.

The honors came at the annual state Mississippi Crime Stoppers Training Conference held in Biloxi in late January.

Williams and Chief Walter Armstrong said they were surprised when they read the program at the ceremony and learned they had won the awards.

“It was a total surprise,” Williams said.

Linda Finley, secretary at Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers, along with their local board that meets once a month, nominated Williams and the VPD for the awards.

“They were outstanding throughout the state,” Finley said.

Finley commended Williams for serving as the Central Mississippi coordinator for years, working diligently, attending state and national conferences, using her skills in networking and the long hours put in on the job.

“She goes above and beyond,” Finley said.

As for the VPD, Finley said the department has been a valuable partner and have been willing to offer help and support to Crime Stoppers when needed. She also noted the VPD’s utilization of the media in stopping crime.

“They’re just both outstanding, and anything we ask them to do, they do,” Finley said.

Vicksburg paid tipsters who called Crime Stoppers more than $7,000 on eight tips in 2015, which was the second highest in Central Mississippi for the year. Finley said the number is high for a city of Vicksburg’s size.

“Crime Stoppers pays off in more ways than one,” Williams said. “Criminals are taken off the street and the tipster is rewarded for their knowledge.”

The Vicksburg Police Department has been a member of the Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers for six years.

“It’s been a huge benefit,” Armstrong said. “Within six months we solved major crimes. It’s another tool to aid and solve crimes.”

He said good evidence and scene investigation are important but without a suspect they can be difficult to solve. Being a member of Crime Stoppers costs a small price compared to the benefit it brings to the department.

“It’s just been a huge benefit to this department,” Armstrong said. “We never know who is providing tips and we don’t need to.”

Tipsters are given a code that they can take to a specified bank to get cash on the spot.

In addition to the local honors, Central Mississippi Crime Stoppers was also awarded Top Crime Stoppers Program of the Year. This department of Crime Stoppers covers nine counties in Central Mississippi.

The Mississippi State Crime Stoppers Advisory Council and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety presented the conference.