The town has launched a new app that allows residents to connect with the Arlington Police Department to find information, view alerts and submit anonymous tips from their smartphone.
The Arlington Police Department app and tip411 anonymous text-a-tip system are 100 percent anonymous, as the technology removes all identifying information before police see the tips and there is no way to identify the sender. This allows the public to share an anonymous tip with police and lets officers respond back to create an anonymous two-way conversation.
“I believe that a police department is only as strong and successful as the community it serves,” Chief Juliann Flaherty said in a statement. “That’s why our new Arlington PD app from tip411 will help greatly enhance our ability to engage our community to help fight crime. Other police departments are successfully using this program, such as the Lynn Police Department.”
The program was started and is solely monitored by the police department. The texts go straight to Arlington detectives.
Superintendent Kathleen Bodie said the district will work to promote tip411 among students, staff, parents and guardians in the community.
“This will be another great tool we have to keep our students and community safe,” Bodie said in a statement. “We look forward to partnering with Arlington Police to promote and educate students and their families about how to use the app.”
Developed by tip411, the Arlington Police Department app is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store, or by visiting the Arlington Police Department website at www.ArlingtonMA.gov/police.
Those without a smartphone will still be able to share information with police by sending an anonymous text tip via their cell phone to police by texting keyword ARLINGTONPD and their message/tip to 847411 (tip411). Anonymous web tips can also be submitted through the department’s website at www.ArlingtonMA.gov/police.
Tip411 should not be used if you or someone else is in imminent danger. Please call 911 in the event of an emergency.