ARLINGTON — Chief Juliann Flaherty and Superintendent Kathleen Bodie would like to announce the launch of a new app that allows residents to connect with the Arlington Police Department to find information, view alerts and submit anonymous tips from their smartphone.
The Arlington Police Department app and tip411 anonymous text-a-tip system are 100 percent anonymous, as the technology removes all identifying information before police see the tips and there is no way to identify the sender. This enables the public to share an anonymous tip with police and lets officers respond back to create an anonymous two-way conversation.
“I believe that a police department is only as strong and successful as the community it serves,” Chief Flaherty said. “That’s why our new Arlington PD app from tip411 will help greatly enhance our ability to engage our community to help fight crime. Other police departments are successfully using this program, such as the Lynn Police Department.”
The program was started and is solely monitored by the police department. The texts go straight to the Arlington Police Department detectives.
Superintendent Bodie said the district will work to promote tip411 among students, staff, parents and guardians in the community.
“This will be another great tool we have to keep our students and community safe,” Superintendent Bodie said. “We look forward to partnering with Arlington Police to promote and educate students and their families about how to use the app.”
Arlington School Resource Officer Bryan White agreed.
“Tip411 is a great idea that can help keep schools and the community safe,” Officer White said. “It can also be another way to help connect students with police who may have been hesitant in the past.”
Developed by tip411, the Arlington Police Department app is available for download for free via the Google Play Store, iTunes App Store, or by visiting the Arlington Police Department website at www.ArlingtonMA.gov/police.
Those without a smartphone will still be able to share information with police by sending an anonymous text tip via their cell phone to police by texting keyword ARLINGTONPD and their message/tip to 847411 (tip411). Anonymous web tips can also be submitted through the department’s website at www.ArlingtonMA.gov/police.
Tip411 should not be used if you or someone else is in imminent danger. Should that be the case, please call 911.
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