Due to the enormous popularity of text messaging the Fort Myers Police Department is now utilizing state of the art technology to receive crime tips. TipSoft SMS, short message service, is 100% anonymous. No one will know the identity of the text tipster. The technology routes messages through a server that encrypts cell phone numbers before they get to police. The technology also allows investigators to securely reply back to the cell phone without compromising the tipster’s identity.
Some of the advantages of text messaging includes being able to communicate in real time with texters. It also allows people to notify police when calling may not be feasible or safe. Texting a tip is easy. All you have to do is :
- Text Message C-R-I-M-E-S (2 7 4 - 6 3 7)
- Use the key word FMPD.
In addition to text messaging the department is also offering WebTips with the same two-way dialogue capabilities. You can click on the link on our website at www.fmpolice.com/tips. Chief Doug Baker hopes to recruit teens and young adults who wouldn’t normally pickup the phone to call police. “It’s their personal safety channel to alert someone of a possible danger. For example if they see a weapon, or a posting on MySpace or Facebook that could indicate danger or have knowledge of a drug deal.”
Just like callers to crime hotlines, text tipsters can be eligible to collect rewards for significant information. It’s done with the cooperation of banks that hand over cash, no questions asked, to people who present a code issued by police. The technology makes giving police the 411 2EZ.
Due to the enormous popularity of text messaging the Fort Myers Police Department is now utilizing state of the art technology to receive crime tips. TipSoft SMS, short message service, is 100% anonymous. No one will know the identity of the text tipster. The technology routes messages through a server that encrypts cell phone numbers before they get to police. The technology also allows investigators to securely reply back to the cell phone without compromising the tipster’s identity.
Some of the advantages of text messaging includes being able to communicate in real time with texters. It also allows people to notify police when calling may not be feasible or safe. Texting a tip is easy. All you have to do is :
- Text Message C-R-I-M-E-S (2 7 4 - 6 3 7)
- Use the key word FMPD.
In addition to text messaging the department is also offering WebTips with the same two-way dialogue capabilities. You can click on the link on our website at www.fmpolice.com/tips. Chief Doug Baker hopes to recruit teens and young adults who wouldn’t normally pickup the phone to call police. “It’s their personal safety channel to alert someone of a possible danger. For example if they see a weapon, or a posting on MySpace or Facebook that could indicate danger or have knowledge of a drug deal.”
Just like callers to crime hotlines, text tipsters can be eligible to collect rewards for significant information. It’s done with the cooperation of banks that hand over cash, no questions asked, to people who present a code issued by police. The technology makes giving police the 411 2EZ.