Anonymous Tip System Giving MPD Crime-Fighting Boost

It doesn’t matter if its late night, early morning or during business hours — violent crime is invading Minneapolis neighborhoods at an alarming rate.

“We need the community’s help to solve these serious crimes that are taking place,” said Minneapolis Police Cmdr. Scott Gerlicher.

Minneapolis police are reminding people how they can help, anonymously, by using their cellphone as a crime-fighting tool.

If you have information about a crime, you can either text 847411 or download MPD Tip on your smartphone to leave an anonymous tip for police.

“They all get triaged here, so we look at every single tip that comes in and we decide who would be best to handle the follow up on this,” Lt. Jeff Rugel said.

He says the system is set up so officers have no idea who is calling.

Read the full story from CBS Minnesota

Text-a-Tip Handy Post Holiday Weekend

While you’re out celebrating Fourth of July, it’s always good to keep in mind that the Laredo Police Department is not just available for emergencies, but also available in case you’d like to report non-emergency criminal activity anonymously.

The Laredo Police Department’s text-a-tip program allows for the people of Laredo to chime in with tips related to criminal activity.

Well 911 is the option for emergencies, but with people celebrating for the holiday, the text-a-tip program could come in handy if non-emergency situations develop in the wake of fourth of July celebrations.

The Fourth of July allows for people to celebrate their independence, but if someone decides to use that independence to take part in criminal action here in the gateway city The Laredo Police Department would like to know about it.

Laredo’s 411 text-a-tip program provides the community an avenue for providing information related to non-emergency criminal wrong-doing.

“It’s a very specialized module for people to utilize so they can give us their information completely anonymous and so they could be free of any fear of being identified and they can give us any information they want”, said Joe Baeza.

Read the full story and watch the report from KGNS-TV

 

Lewisville Police Offer “Exchange Zone,” Use tip411 to Share Information

The Lewisville Police Department in Lewisville, Texas recently announced they would be offering an “Exchange Zone” to help citizens exchange goods or for child custody exchanges in a safe area at the police department –  And they used a tip411 alert to share the news with their community:

Two marked parking spots have been designated in front of the Police Department’s main door as an “Exchange Zone” for citizens wanting a safe location to exchange goods bought or sold, or to perform child custody exchanges.  The area is under video surveillance. Lewisville Police Department encourages citizens to exercise good judgment and caution in their interaction with strangers, and bears no responsibility for the validity of the transactions conducted.     

The Police Department is located at 1187 W. Main St on the West end of the Lewisville Municipal Annex.     

Read the full alert here.

Use tip411 to Share Program, Event Information & to Promote National Night Out

You know to use tip411 to share community alerts about crime and public safety information, but did you know tip411 can be a great tool for sharing program and event information?

Brooklyn Park Police in Minnesota recently sent the following notice using tip411 to let their community know about upcoming plans to participate in National Night Out:

Register Now for National Night Out!

Celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4th!  Brooklyn Park’s National Night Out (NNO) program is nationally recognized and continuously earns awards every year.

National Night Out is the cornerstone of our crime prevention efforts in Brooklyn Park.

From approximately 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. we ask you to lock your doors, turn on your outside lights and spend the evening with the neighbors. Many neighborhoods host special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police, fire and other city officials, youth contests and music.  

Your event does not have to be large or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in your neighbor’s yard. The important thing is to talk to and get to know your neighbors.

 You must register your neighborhood party to be eligible for one of the city vehicles to visit and to receive a NNO “goodie bag.”  Registration forms must be received by Friday, July 24th.  You may register your National Night Out party by going online to www.brooklynpark.org: or call Gerry Gibbs at 763-493-8284.  Listed below are the dates and times you can pick up your neighborhood “goodie bag” at the Police Department, 5400 85th Ave. No.:

Saturday, July 25th:  10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, July 28th:  4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, July 30st:  4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 ***Please remember we have officers and visitors scheduled until about 8:30 p.m. So if your party disperses before that time you may miss your visitor***

Click here to read the rest of the message from Brooklyn Park PD.