BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. -- The saying goes: "A picture is worth a thousand words." When it comes to a criminal sketch, that picture is worth at least $1,000.

The Broward Sheriff's Office has combined its forensic art department with Crime Stoppers. That means as soon as an artist finishes a sketch of a suspect, it's handed to Crime Stoppers and plastered online and on television.

"It's getting the word out, getting the photo out, getting the sketch out and getting it out as soon as possible," said Michael Calderin with Broward Crime Stoppers.

If the public can see a suspect's sketch faster, the hope is that the crime will be solved faster.

"Time is everything," said John McMahon with BSO's forensic art department.

Crime Stoppers receives phone calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To contact Broward Crime Stoppers, call 954-493-TIPS. Tipsters remain anonymous and receive a $1,000 reward if the tip leads to an arrest.