WI - In an effort to keep up with high-tech methods of communication, Janesville Area CrimeStoppers is offering a new way to submit crime tips: text messages.
Residents can use their cell phones to text tips to CrimeStoppers. The messages go to the Janesville Police Department.
Officer Chad Sullivan: “Everybody’s texting. This is going to be a very good way to get information.”
People can text 274637 to submit a crime tip. In the body of the text, senders must type JACS and then the message. Senders remain anonymous because the texts are encrypted.
Tipsters also can go online and send tips via the Internet.
Messages will be received instantly 24 hours a day, Sullivan said, and police officers on the receiving end can reply if they need more information.
In the past, phone tips went to voicemail after 3 p.m. weekdays and on weekends, Sullivan said. And police had no way of returning the call if the tipster didn’t leave a phone number, he said.
The result was that officers couldn’t respond quickly enough or get certain details if they were left out.
The text feature also allows more anonymity and real-time interaction with an ongoing criminal situation, said Christine Rebout, president of Janesville Area CrimeStoppers.
Full Article and Source:
Text a tip: CrimeStoppers has a new way to collect clues
Residents can use their cell phones to text tips to CrimeStoppers. The messages go to the Janesville Police Department.
Officer Chad Sullivan: “Everybody’s texting. This is going to be a very good way to get information.”
People can text 274637 to submit a crime tip. In the body of the text, senders must type JACS and then the message. Senders remain anonymous because the texts are encrypted.
Tipsters also can go online and send tips via the Internet.
Messages will be received instantly 24 hours a day, Sullivan said, and police officers on the receiving end can reply if they need more information.
In the past, phone tips went to voicemail after 3 p.m. weekdays and on weekends, Sullivan said. And police had no way of returning the call if the tipster didn’t leave a phone number, he said.
The result was that officers couldn’t respond quickly enough or get certain details if they were left out.
The text feature also allows more anonymity and real-time interaction with an ongoing criminal situation, said Christine Rebout, president of Janesville Area CrimeStoppers.
Full Article and Source:
Text a tip: CrimeStoppers has a new way to collect clues
I'm all for stopping crime and hope this works.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good idea.
ReplyDeletePeople nowadays can move their fingers much faster than they can talk!
Good idea - why not use whatever method is available to report suspicious activity where it will do some good?
ReplyDelete