Connecticut State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection

Connecticut State Police Patch STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Department of Public Safety
1111 Country Club Road
Middletown, Connecticut 06457		  
Contact: 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 28, 2008

STATE, LOCAL POLICE UNVEIL 21st CENTURY CRIME-STOPPER TECHNOLOGY

At a press conference today, the Connecticut State Police and local city Police Chiefs today unveiled a 21st century, cutting edge technology tool that will help solve crimes and protect Connecticut citizens.            

Beginning today, Connecticut citizens will be able to text anonymous tips from their cell phones. The new system, dubbed “Text a Tip,” is completely anonymous and easy to use.  Those with texting abilities from personal electronic devices can simply text “274637,” use the Connecticut State Police code “TIP 711” and leave anonymous information about a crime.

The Connecticut State Police is the first state police agency in the nation to provide blanket coverage with a Text a Tip program.

“Today we are bringing 21st Century technology to the fight against crime in Connecticut.  Gathering tips from concerned citizens has always been a resourceful way to solve crimes and to prevent future crimes. By implementing the “Text a Tip” program, we are offering residents another anonymous method by which to help local and state police,” noted Commissioner John A. Danaher III of the state Department of Public Safety.

Commissioner Danaher was joined at the press conference by police chiefs from Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford and Waterbury.

When a caller uses “Text a Tip” to text a tip to police, the tip is sent electronically to a main server that is not associated with any police agency. The server strips the text message of its identifying information before sending the tip back to the police agency for whom it was intended.

“The text tip line is another option for those who wish to leave information about a crime. The new texting capability gives callers an opportunity to provide facts safely and anonymously right through their own cell phones,” said Colonel Thomas Davoren, commanding officer of the Connecticut State Police.

By utilizing Text a Tip, those leaving tips will play a key role in reducing crimes or solving crimes without endangering themselves.



TEXT a TIP

WHO:  YOU

WHAT:  Text Messaging Tips (about crimes) to the Police to help Solve Crimes

WHERE:  Hartford, Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury, New Haven and for statewide coverage the Connecticut State Police

HOW:  by using your cell phone you can text a message (anonymously) to the police any tip or information that may help them solve crimes

WHY:  we need the involvement of witnesses in the community to help the police solve crimes

  • Text Messaging also known as MMS or SMS (short message service) is a way to communicate on your mobile phone by sending or receiving text messages.

  • Text Messaging from cell phones is a common feature by some.  If you are not sure if you have this service, call your provider for details and an explanation.

  • The popularity of text messaging , expecially among young citizents, has created an opportunity for the police to get current, accurate tips/information.

  • Because most people have their cell phones on them at all times itis easy for the tipster to submit a tip anytime, anywhere 24/7, 365.

  • The system is set up so that the identity of the tipster is stripped from the message before getting to the police, however the police will be able to respond back to the tipster (if needed) through the server without identifying the tipster.


Text a Tip is strictly a system set up for tips
from the public to the police

IT IS NOT TO REPORT CRIMES OR BE USED FOR EMERGENCIES


TEXT a TIP

Text a Tip

 Connecticut State Police
 Text "TIP711 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)


Text a Tip

Hartford Police DepartmentText "TIP716 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)


Text a Tip

Bridgeport Police Department
Text "TIP717 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)


Text a Tip

Stamford Police Department
Text "TIP718 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)


Text a Tip

Waterbury Police Department
Text "TIP719 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)


Text a Tip

New Haven Police Department
Text "TIP720 plus your message" to CRIMES (274637)


Text a Tip is strictly a system set up for tips from the public t the police -

IT IS NOT TO REPORT CRIMES OR BE USED FOR EMERGENCIES

FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 911
CSP Text a Tip
Text a Tip Information Sheet, click here.


To view the flow of a text message sent to Text a Tip, click here.