Inbound Anonymous Communications

CitizenObserver is the only solution available that integrates inbound anonymous text message communication as part of an alert notification system.

Information can be received and responded to by your agency via anonymous email or text message.

  • Email tips are received via an encrypted Adobe PDF file and directed to authorized personnel.
  • Your agency can respond in real time to the tipster creating two way communications.
  • Tips may be analyzed, reported on and managed in many ways to facilitate follow up investigation and disposition.

The texting module allows anyone with a cell phone to provide information anonymously to your agency (or other authorized personnel) via text message. For example, the tipster would simply text TIP and a 3 digit number to C-R-I-M-E-S (274637) plus their tip. This kind of “on demand” tip system enables the public to provide immediate information while maintaining anonymity.

The tip can be directly responded to creating a two-way dialogue between Law Enforcement and the tipster.

Text messaging or Short Message Service (SMS) provides several advantages over traditional voice calls, especially when calling may not be feasible or safe:

  • The system allows citizens to report on a crime or emergency situation in progress without having to say a word, providing an unprecedented anywhere, anytime, silent, and anonymous approach to crime reporting.
  • Text messages can be transmitted faster than voice calls, and can be sent even when voice traffic is jammed or signal strength is too weak for voice calls.
  • Texting requires much less battery power, and thus is a better choice for communicating when the battery is low or the phone is being used in a remote location.

  

Related Info

 

 

 

This example shows a view of the text message sent from a phone and the console that allows two way communication and tip management to take place.

  • Tipster texts an anonymous tip to your Agency
  • Tip is received and responded to in real time. Tips from text can be saved and managed for follow up