Bangor Police Department, ME (76 sworn officers) announced that it has partnered with tip411 to help reduce crime, improve crime-solving, and increase community engagement.

The tip411 tool allows users to submit anonymous tips, with images and videos, directly to Bangor PD. The tool has other capabilities including sending users crime alerts and community notifications.

“The app is going to be useful for interaction during an urgent situation,” Sgt. Jason McAmbley said, like when police need to notify the public about an active shooter. “It’s more reliable than social media because people will get factual information. The turnaround is really quick, which is important.”

Police can respond to anonymous tipsters in real time when tips come in.

We don’t know who we’re sending a message to, but they can respond to us if they are willing,” he said. “It’s what everybody is doing,” he said about releasing the app. “It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s anonymous. And it’s efficient.”

Watch the video below

The public can submit anonymous tips to the Bangor PD by texting “BPDTIP” and the tip information to 847411. The public can also use the BPDTIP Tip mobile app, powered by tip411, to view community alerts and submit anonymous tips. The BPDTIP Tip app can be downloaded for free at the iTunes and Google Play App Store.

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