Category: In The News

The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety is launching a new app to help residents connect directly to officers.

The new Orangeburg DPS mobile app, powered by tip411, is free to download and lets users find information, view alerts, and submit anonymous tips from their phone.

According to Chief of Orangeburg Police, Charles Austin, once a tip is submitted, an officer will respond — creating an anonymous two-way conversation.

“We believe in strong community relationships. And we believe this certainly will be another step toward improving our delivery of services. And we believe that the new app will help us work closely to our residents in terms of making our community as safe as it can be,” says Chief Austin.

Orangeburg residents can also submit a tip via text message by texting the keyword ODPS and then their tip and sending it to 847411. Residents can download the free Orangeburg DPS mobile app on the iPhone App Store or the Google Play Store.

Read More:

ABCColumbia.com – Orangeburg Dept. of Public Safety launches tip411 app, allows anonymity for users

Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. is launching a new anonymous tip tool, powered by tip411. It’s part of an integrated plan to enhance the sharing of intelligence with all law enforcement agencies throughout the county.

The new service allows the public to share non-emergency public safety information anonymously. Officers will be able to respond, creating a two-way conversation. The tips are received in real-time and can be responded to in seconds.

“I’m excited to offer the citizens of Lake County more ways to report important information on crimes or suspicious activity. People will even be able to attach photos or video clips to their tip via text message,” said Sheriff Oscar Martinez Jr. “This platform allows citizens to engage with officers without sharing their identity.”

 

Anyone with a cell phone may send an anonymous tip to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office by texting the keyword LCSO and the tip to 847411. Tips can also be submitted through the LCSO Tip mobile app, which are available for free on the iPhone or Android app stores.

“So, as we receive tips, we can distribute the information to the agencies that might be impacted.  It’s all part of a larger objective to assist all of the law enforcement agencies we work with to strengthen cooperation and a coordinated response,” said Sheriff Martinez.

Read More:

• NWI.com: Residents can now text tips to Lake County Sheriff’s Office
• Lake County Sheriff’s Department Facebook: Sheriff’s department launches new tip411 anonymous tip tool

An anonymous tip submitted via tip411 to the Atlantic City Police Department resulted in the arrest of a man and a woman wanted in Pennsylvania and the recovery of a stolen handgun and drugs.

The anonymous tip stated that a white vehicle with Pennsylvania plates was carrying guns and drugs, ACPD Sgt. Paul Aristizabal said. The anonymous tipster also said the occupants were fugitives from Pennsylvania.

Later, Officer John Bell saw the vehicle and stopped it in the area of Missouri and Atlantic avenues, according to the report.

Inside the vehicle, officers found a loaded handgun reported stolen from Pennsylvania, Aristizabal said. It was fitted with a high-capacity magazine. Crack cocaine was also found in the vehicle.

To submit a tip to ACPD, text the keyword ACPD and your tip information to 847411. Tips are 100% anonymous – ACPD is interested in the information about illegal activity, not the person providing it.

Read More:

• BreakingAC.com: tip411 leads to arrest of fugitive couple, gun and drugs
• DailyVoice.com: Anonymous Tip Results In Arrest Of Fugitives On Drug, Handgun Charges In Atlantic City
• Atlantic City PD tip411 Alert: tip411 Submission Leads to Arrest of Man and Woman, Handgun and Drugs Recovered

East Bay Regional Coalition, based in eastern Rhode Island, recently partnered with the law enforcement to utilize tip411’s anonymous text-a-tip tool in three communities they serve. 

“The text-a-tip line was one of the evidence-based practices we could implement as part of our grant which aims to reduce underage drinking,” said Steven Eiland, Partnership for Success Coordinator at EBRC. The initiative involves police departments in Bristol, Warren, and East Providence, RI.

Through the use tip411, community members are able to submit tips via text or through an app. While police can to respond to tips with clarifying questions, these tips are kept completely anonymous.

From the launch of the program to April 2022, nearly 1,200 tips were collected with 14% being directly related to alcohol or other substances. One tip led to the identification of someone who would receive orders via text and sell alcohol to underage youth, and another tip led to the identification of a marijuana dealer at a local high school. Additional tips led to an intervention in a suicide threat, the removal of a “ghost” gun, traffic reports regarding DUIs, and noise complaints which often pointed to locations where underage drinking occurred.

“The police departments have shared with us how they feel it’s made a massive impact as far as community relations and making them feel more connected with the community members they serve. Overall, it’s been a fantastic tool and provides us with monthly data that keeps us up to date with what’s going on in the communities, and we look forward to seeing additional outcomes this upcoming year,” said Eiland.

Read More

• Coalitions in Action – Text-A-Tip for Prevention
• Bristol PD Website – Submit a Tip Information
• Warren PD Website – Submit a Tip Information

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Wildlife Alert System is now using a safe and effective new system, developed by tip411, for submitting anonymous tips. The public can contact FWC Law Enforcement by downloading an easy-to-use iPhone or Android app: “FWC Wildlife Alert.”

The new tool will enable the public to anonymously communicate with members of FWC law enforcement via text, which will allow officers to receive the information they need to address violations more quickly and efficiently.

“We are excited to begin using the new tip411 system to connect the public and FWC law enforcement,” said Wildlife Alert Board Chair Virginia “Jenny” Brock. We believe in this digital age the text and app options will increase public safety and conservation efforts by encouraging more people to report violations.”

To report a violation, you can download the iPhone or Android “FWC Wildlife Alert” app from your phone’s app store.  You can also send a text to 847411 with keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information you can about the violation.

Learn More:

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Website: Wildlife Alert now using tip411 system for better communication
• Citrus-Daily.com: FWC’s Wildlife Alert now using tip411