HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010_11_8_Text Tips
BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE Greg Williamson, Chief of Police ________________________________________________________________________ Contact: Sergeant Mary DeGeare Public
Information Officer 661-326-3803 mdegeare@Bakersfieldpd.us FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 2010 Beginning November 9, 2010, mobile phone users across Bakersfield will have the ability
to provide anonymous crime fighting tips through the medium of text messaging. The Bakersfield Police Department has contracted this service which allows citizens to send anonymous tips
by sending a text message from a mobile phone. The popularity of text messaging has created a significant opportunity for the public to help law enforcement agencies fight crime. The
ability for any citizen who owns a mobile phone to assist in crime solving is of great importance to communities and the Bakersfield Police Department is stepping in to play a pivotal
role in the transmission of crime fighting tips. When providing text information, messages will will be anonymously received and securely replied to with complete confidence. The service
was designed specifically to allow those people sending text messages to remain anonymous by encrypting the text messages and routing them through several secure servers, protecting
the personal details of the caller. This system also allows police to respond by text message to the originating cell phone without ever knowing the identity of the individual who left
the tip. The user’s information is always given an alias and a unique ID before being sent. This secure application allows the tipster and the police to have two-way dialog while always
keeping the user’s identity completely anonymous. The Bakersfield Police Department encourages everyone to report information about any nonurgent illegal activity, such as unsolved cases,
vandalism, theft, the sale and distribution of drugs or information about crimes that are being planned in the community or schools. This option should not be used for emergencies (911)
or incidents requiring immediate attention. Here’s how it works: The person wishing to send a text enters 274637 (which would be the word CRIMES on the classic phone keypad) in the “To”
line of their phone’s messaging area. In the text box, type BPDCRIMES, followed by the message they wish to send. After sending the message, that caller will receive an automated response
instructing them what to do if they choose to send more messages or end the contact. Information may also be submitted via email with the same anonymity at www.tipsubmit.com. The Bakersfield
Police Department envisions this system will supplement the Gang Tip Hotline and the Kern Secret Witness Program by giving the public another venue by which to contact the police department
and remain anonymous.