May 19, 2005

Criminal Justice Institute at NSU Hosts “Crime Time at CJI”

FT. LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, FL— Murder mystery buffs get ready to solve a “crime” and raise money for a worthy organization in the process. Beginning July 5, Nova Southeastern University’s Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) will host an online crime mystery game designed by criminal justice professionals.

“Crime Time at CJI” will promote crime awareness, and serve as a fundraiser for Broward County Crime Stoppers ( BCS ), a non profit organization that solves crimes anonymously with the help of local media, law enforcement, and the community.  Players will pay a $5.00 registration fee, which will be donated to BCS in order to maintain the TIP line for anonymous tips and translation services.   Participants may register online May 30 - June 24, 2005 at http://www.cji.nova.edu .  The online game is open to the public.

“Research has shown that awareness of criminal situations can have a significant impact on crime reduction,” says CJI Program Director Dr. Tammy Kushner.

Each week players will receive an email with riddles to lead them to clues needed to solve the crime. Online clues, which will become progressively more difficult and will build on one another, will be provided every week for ten weeks on sponsors’ websites.  The grand finale will be celebrated on NSU’s campus the weekend of September 9. Broward and Miami-Dade County judges and law enforcement professionals will make the final decision on the winners.  Prizes include a digital camera, hotel getaways, and various items donated by area sponsors. 

Crime Time at CJI is a collaborative effort designed and implemented by the Broward County Crime Stoppers, the National Honor Society of Criminal Justice Students Alpha Phi Sigma, and Nova Southeastern University.  For more information, contact the Criminal Justice Institute at 954-262-7001.