Category: In The News

A regional task force devoted to investigating human trafficking launched an app powered by tip411 where users can submit tips.

Watch the report from FOX13:

The Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force app allows users to submit tips anonymously and is free in both the Apple and Google Play app stores, St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway said Monday during a news conference.

“We wanted to make sure that our victims had a way to contact us, and also that our people that were witnessing some type of human trafficking,” said Holloway, whose agency was tasked with creating the task force via a roughly $741,600 grant from the Department of Justice.

Anyone with information can also send a tip by texting HTTF to 847411 along with the information.

Watch the report from WTSP 10 Tampa Bay:

Since the task force formed in January, member agencies have opened 107 investigations into sex trafficking and arrested 34 people, Holloway said. Agencies have also opened seven investigations into labor trafficking.

Departments participating in the task force include the Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando sheriff’s offices and the Clearwater, Largo, Tampa, Zephyrhills and Dade City police departments.

Read the full story from the Tampa Bay Times

Watch the full press conference from St. Petersburg Police:

Tip411 allows the public to share important public safety information anonymously with the police department by sending secure text messages about crime or suspicious activity on Sanibel.

Officers can respond in real-time, and tip411 is completely anonymous.

All identifying information is removed by the program before police receive the message. There is no way to identify the sender.

To send an anonymous tip, message keyword SANIBEL, and your tip to 847411.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Sanibel website.

If there is an emergency that requires immediate assistance always dial 911.

Read the full story from FOX4 South Florida

The Wilmington Police Department has launched a new smartphone application that will help residents find information, view local crime alerts, and submit anonymous tips.

Developed by tip411, the Wilmington NC PD app will replace and expand the agency’s previous text-a-tip service.

Within the app, users will find agency alerts on the front page, and two additional tabs at the bottom: one for submitting tips and another for accessing the agency’s website, social media channels, and front desk phone number — a one-stop shop for communication between police and the community.

Providing an anonymous line of communication is essential, particularly when it comes to violent crime.

“In order to stop violence in our community, we need the community’s help,” Chief Donny Williams said. “If you know that a violent crime is about to occur, please use this app. If you have information on a past crime, please use this app. You will remain completely anonymous, and you may help save someone’s life.”

Residents can download the app for free in the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store, and have the option of creating an account or continuing as a guest. Creating an account does not affect anonymity.

Wilmington residents without access to a smartphone can share information with police by sending an anonymous text message to 847411 (tip411) and including the keyword WPDNC.

This service is not a replacement for 911, which should always be used in emergencies.

Read the full story from WWAYTV3

In partnership with the North Dakota Department of Human Services and communities across the state, tip411 is proud to announce its partnership with the North Dakota Sheriff’s and Deputies Association on a statewide anonymous tip system to connect residents with law enforcement to help prevent substance misuse and keep communities safe.

Developed by tip411, the NDTip app puts a powerful new tool into the hands of community members of all ages. The NDTip app is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store.

“Sheriffs and Deputies have been proudly serving North Dakota’s 53 counties since 1889,” said President Chad Kaiser of Stutsman County. “The Sheriffs of North Dakota believe in pride, dedication and service to their counties, and the addition of tip411 in many of our communities will be an important tool that can be used by residents of all ages.”

Many communities across North Dakota currently use tip411, which allows them to work closely with other local departments across multiple jurisdictions to share information and expand the reach of this new anonymous tip system.

“We’ve worked with agencies across the US to build an advanced and innovative product to help law enforcement better engage their communities,” said tip411 President Terry Halsch.  “The NDTip app, powered by tip411, will be a powerful community engagement tool used by residents and law enforcement to combat substance misuse and help fight crime.”

The NDTip app and tip411 system are 100% anonymous, as the technology removes all identifying information before law enforcement see the tips and there is no way to identify the sender.

In partnership with the state’s Department of Human Services and North Dakota Sheriff’s and Deputies Association, the Morton County Sheriff’s Office has launched an anonymous tip system that connects residents with law enforcement to help prevent substance misuse and crime.