WPCNR POLICE GAZETTE. From Daniel Jackson, Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety White Plains. (Edited) October 29, 2009 UPDATED 2:53 P.M. E.D.T.: The White Plains Department of Public Safety is launching tip411, an internet based tool that enables the public to text message an anonymous tip to police, and lets the police respond back creating a two way anonymous “chat”.
To Tip the Police anonymously on sensitive matters of crime and threats, text
tip411
WPPD(space)Type Your Message
Commissioner of Public Safety Dr. Frank Straub in a statement said “We’re proud to be part of a national program that agencies in over 27 States are currently using to enhance public safety. This new capability will help our citizens play an active role in keeping their neighborhoods safer and hopefully engage younger people in the process."Photo, WPCNR NEWS ARCHIVE.
Anyone with a cell phone can now send an anonymous tip to WPPD by texting to the address tip411, then typing the word WPPD, a space and your message. Its 100% anonymous. CitizenObserver’s technology removes all identifying information before the Police Department sees it so there’s no way to identify the sender.
The system does NOT replace 911 for reporting emergencies. And, this is not a service of twitter, which some readers may have thought based on the first edition of this article.
Reserved exclusively for Public Safety purposes and powered by CitizenObserver, a St. Paul MN company, tip411 puts a powerful new crime fighting tool into the hands of our community for all ages and demographics.
According to Commissioner Frank Straub, Ph.D., this capability is a new paradigm for creating safer communities – especially in reaching out to a younger demographic. “When someone feels afraid to come forward, or simply feels like they don’t want to get involved – this can be a great way to pass information on without fear of retribution.”
CitizenObserver, a St. Paul, MN company founded in 2000, provides web based alerting tools to law enforcement, education, and public safety agencies in over 40 states.
Very Important: The system does not replace 911 for emergencies.
Note: In the first edition of this report, there was confusion about the sequence. In texting, the user on their cellphone types tip411 and in the message they begin it WPPD (space) followed by their message.
