Text your tip Mario County

Marion County Sheriff’s kick off text to tip app

Marion County residents can now report crime tips via text message.

The new text-to-tip program, tip411, allows Marion County Sheriff’s Office to help connect with the community.

The program lets users report crime tips and suspicious activities by sending an anonymous text message from their cellphone or through a free app called MCSO In The Know.

“We believe an informed community is a safer community,” said Lt. Chris Baldridge,  Marion County Sheriff’s public information officer.

MCSO In The Know gives officers the ability respond back by creating an anonymous two-way conversation.

The technology utilized in the app removes identifying information from users before messages reach police.

In addition to the two-way text conversations, the sheriff’s office will inform registered app users of public safety alerts by sending emails, text messages and app alerts.

Anonymous crime tips can also be shared by sending by texting “TipMCSO” and their message to 847411, or tip411.

Read the full story from the Statesman Journal.

City of Jamestown police car

New JPD App Gives Public More Options To Send Tips

A simple tip is often all it takes to bring a criminal to justice.

In fact, the Jamestown Police Department has, on more than one occasion, acknowledged public tips as a major crime-fighting tool.

For this reason, a new app, simply entitled the Jamestown PD app, was employed to further enhance public engagement, giving residents a new, convenient platform to offer information.

Developed by tip411, the Jamestown PD app allows the public to share anonymous tips, receive alerts and access information right from their Smartphones.

Residents without a smartphone will still be able to send an anonymous text tip via their cellphone by texting keyword JPDTIP and their message to 847411 (tip411).

“(Tips) are very important to us,” said Captain Robert F. Samuelson, division commander of the JPD. “We’ve enjoyed the relationship we’ve had with the community through our anonymous tip line … and this (app) is just going to be another tool that they can use.”

Read the full story from The Post-Journal

Reminder local police department

Hide, Lock and Take: the shopping season is here

Start today! Remind yourself and others when you leave the car to Hide Lock Take. If you see a person displaying items in their car or leave without locking it, remind them too. You can keep your car safe by reminding everyone else, so that criminals won’t be successful in your area. Hide your belongings, Lock your car, and Take your keys! 

Park your car in well-lit areas and lots that have security. Don’t leave your windows rolled down or cracked as this only makes it easier to break in to. Try to park nearest to street or entrances so that it is viewable to passersby. Do not display decals or signs that upgrades have been made to your car. If you’re just not sure, always go with the safest most protected choice.

See the full alert from Lewisville Police with more helpful information and tips.

police city of Hopkins cruiser

U.S. Humane Society brings reward to $6,000 for tips on Hopkins dog poisonings

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the possible poisonings of three dogs in Hopkins climbed to $6,000 with the addition of $5,000 from the Humane Society of the United States.

Hopkins Police announced last week a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the death of Bruno, a golden retriever, and the liver damage to his housemate Fred. Both dogs are believed to have eaten food left under the porch of their home that had been soaked in antifreeze. Rat poisoning also was found in the yard, Hopkins Police Sgt. Michael Glassberg said.

A third dog in the same neighborhood also became ill and suffered similar permanent liver damage. No source of poison was found in that dog’s yard but the symptoms and condition were similar to the poisoned animals, Glassberg said. “People unfortunately need to be vigilant when their dogs are outside,” the sergeant added.

Bruno died in early October. Police don’t believe his death is related to the owner’s behavior. “We have no evidence or any information of him being targeted. He’s not involved in any feuds,” Glassberg said. He requested that owners who believe a pet has eaten poison, mention that to their veterinarians so police can follow-up.

The incidents thus far have occurred in the 200-300 blocks of 9th and 10th avenues N. in Hopkins. Police would like information about recent potential poisonings or connected activity. Unfortunately, they cannot investigate older dog poisonings. To report a possible tip, use the Tip 411 app to send an anonymous text, photo or video. Tipsters can also call 952-938-8885 and ask for Investigator Denny during regular business hours.

Read the story from the Star Tribune.

Community Crime Map

Lewisville Police Announce Change to New Crime Map Featuring tip411

Effective Tuesday, November 1, 2016, the Lewisville Police Department is changing its public crime mapping service from Motorola’s CrimeReport to LexisNexis® Community Crime Map (formerly known as RaidsOnline by Bair Analytics).

Community Crime Map offers citizen’s greater functionality.  The map links to the Tip411 anonymous crime tip service, allowing citizens to make a tip directly from the map.  Citizens may also sign up for a periodic report of incidents occurring around a defined address.

Click here to read the full alert and access the map.