tip411 In The News

Public can send info anonymously to Sheriff’s Office using phone app

Members of the public can now send important public safety information anonymously on crimes or suspicious activity to the Scott County Sheriff’s Office with a secure message by using a free smartphone app.

Developed by tip411, the SCSOTips app can be downloaded free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store, or by visiting the Scott County Sheriff’s Office website at www.scottcountymn.gov.

“We believe the public is our greatest law enforcement resource,” said Chief Deputy Luke Hennen of Scott County Sheriff’s Office. “Our new SCSOTips app, along with our existing tip411 anonymous text a tip system, will help our residents play a more active role in keeping the citizens of Scott County safe.”

Read the full story from Shakopee Valley News

tip411 In The News

Walker County, AL launches tip411 crime reporting app

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office now has an app called Walker Tips that lets residents report crime and remain anonymous. Citizens can send a text tip by texting WALKER plus the tip to 847411.

The project came together with help from the Walker County Chamber of Commerce, Community in Action Coalition and District Attorney Bill Adair.

The push in Walker County is to encourage people to download the free app and use it when they see a problem, from a possible drunk driver to suspicious activity.

Authorities hope this gets teens and young adults more active and reporting crime.

“It’s an easy way for them to communicate their concerns without exposing them to ridicule or peer pressure,” Judge Henry Allred said.

“This is a chance for each of us to be anonymous, completely anonymous, and still fight crime,” Tina Aaron with Community in Action Coalition said.

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tip411 In The News

Text a tip about crime in Berks County

Submitting an anonymous tip about crime in Berks County is now easier than ever before.

Crime Alert Berks County unveiled its first-ever text-a-tip program during a news conference at the district attorney’s field office in Bern Township on Thursday.

The volunteer Crime Stoppers group’s new partnership with tip411 allows anyone with information about crime in Berks to text an anonymous tip to 847411 (tip411), beginning the message with the keyword alertberks.

“Texting has become the new wave of communication,” said Berks County District Attorney John Adams, who serves on Crime Alert’s advisory board. “Teenagers and adults seem to utilize this method of communication more so than picking up a telephone. Accepting tips by text should result in more tips that result in arrests, which equal a safer community.”

Anonymous tips can also be submitted securely through the free mobile app, which was also developed by Minnesota-based tip411.

Read the full story from WFMZ.com.

tip411 In The News

Southwest Metro Drug Task Force seeks tips by app and text

A suburban drug task force is the latest Minnesota law enforcement agency to use texting and mobile apps to attract would-be tipsters.

Last week, the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force activated its “SWMTip” app, powered by St. Paul-based technology company tip411, for residents to submit anonymous tips and photos from their smartphones.

Phil Nawrocki, a Scott County Sheriff’s Office commander, said the first tip arrived within a day of launching the app. The task force joined more than 30 other Minnesota agencies using tip411 after noting how often it gathered information from mobile photos or text messages, Nawrocki said.

“Rather than have the individual go back home, sit down and try to find our e-mail address and contact info, they have a cellphone in their hand that can directly send confidential information to us,” Nawrocki said.

The Southwest Metro Drug Task Force covers Scott, Carver and McLeod counties as well as the cities of Excelsior, Greenwood, Shorewood and Tonka Bay.

Tip411’s apps keep tipsters anonymous by assigning them a six-character alias to be used when communicating with authorities, said tip411 President Terry Halsch. The company also has a “text-a-tip” system that is used by roughly 1,400 agencies around the country, he said.

Read the full story from the Star Tribune…