PEI Crime Stoppers was incorporated as a registered charity in 1988 and started operation on January 4, 1989. At first the program was run jointly by the RCMP and the Charlottetown City Police. An office in the city was provided and two Police Officers were seconded, one from the CCPD and one from the RCMP. With the new program in place, a public awareness campaign began to inform the public and the Law Enforcement community. As in any new program, growing pains arose, and the greatest problem became finances. Eventually the RCMP assumed responsibility for the program and the Community Policing NCO became the Police Co-ordinator for PEI Crime Stoppers. The Community Policing NCO had several important responsibilities, including Crime Stoppers, and could only devote about 20% towards Crime Stoppers matters. It became apparent to the Board of Directors and the Police Co-ordinator that a full-time Co-ordinator was the answer. In June 1996 a full-time civilian Co-ordinator began duties.

    The Board of Directors governs the program for the Island. The program has three partners; the community, the media and Law Enforcement. Crime Stoppers encourages members of the community to assist law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime by overcoming two key elements that inhibit community involvement: Fear and Apathy. The goal of PEI Crime Stoppers is "to make Prince Edward Island Communities a safer place to live and conduct business".

    Police services across the Island enthusiastically support Crime Stoppers as do government agencies with enforcement responsibilities. The Co-ordinator is responsible for the tips line, media release, liaising with the Board of Directors and maintaining a rapport with enforcement agencies. The community component (The Board) is responsible for program policy, fund-raising, promotions, development of short and long-term planning and keeping financial records. The media donate their time, space and professional opinion on the creation and placement of "unsolved crime" stories such as the "Crime of the Week". Without the media contribution, the Crime Stoppers message would not get out to the potential caller.