Talking to Tipsters: Websites and Text Messages Allow Valuable, Anonymous Communication

• NCJ Number: 225166
• Journal: Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 35 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2008 Pages: 10,12,18
• Author(s): Rebecca Kanable
• Date Published: November 2008
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article provides a brief discussion of technology issues associated with crime tip programs.

Abstract

Findings suggest that for years, an officer answered the phone at his desk and wrote crime tips by hand. Today, telephone answering services record tips and electronically forward them where they need to go. While landline telephone technology has advanced over time, other technologies useful for gathering tips have been gaining popularity. The article provides discussion in the following topic areas: keeping tipsters anonymous; using “TipSoft WebTips,” an internet based tip management software; using “TipSoft SMS” (short message service); using photographs with applications, a favorite feature; use of text messaging in school environments; the value of anonymity; integrated tip management; the surface of human intell; and revealing student identities. A separate section discusses a text messaging tool used in reporting aggressive drivers.