tip411 In The News

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

tip411 In The News

La Habra Police arrest man for possession of drugs, weapons after receiving tip

A convicted felon in possession of numerous weapons was arrested by La Habra Police Sunday, authorities said in a written statement.

Police were notified through Tip411, an app used by the La Habra Police Department which allows community members to submit anonymous tips, about a child residing in a home where there was weapons and drugs, officials said.

In response, police officers went to a residence in the 2600 block of Candlewood Way where they arrested Ronald Amster, 41, outside of his home for possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia, the statement said.

Read the full story from Whittier Daily News

tip411 In The News

tip411 Leads to Arrest in Hillsborough County, FL

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office website:

On April 6, 2016 at approximately 7:07 p.m., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies received information via tip411 in reference to a suspect selling narcotics at 7023 Himes Avenue North. The comments also stated the suspect was concealing the narcotics in a bleach bottle.

Deputies observed the suspect retrieve a small bleach bottle and remove a plastic bag containing marijuana. Deputies took the suspect into custody. Deputies also recovered the bleach bottle that had eleven bags of marijuana and two bags of cocaine. The suspect was charged with Possession of Controlled Substance (Cocaine), Possession of Cannabis Less than 20 grams, Possession of Controlled Substance (Cocaine) within 1000ft of a Business Transportation of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Control Substance (Cannabis) w/ intent to Sell, Possession of Control Substance (Cocaine) w/ intent to Sell and Tampering/Fabricating with Physical Evidence.

The investigation continues.

Visit the HCSO website to learn more.

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

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…