Texting Crime Fighters

To help combat the rising murder and violent crimes rates, Boston’s PD has started up the "Text a Tip Program." Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis said it was to be the first in the nation to combine cell phone text messaging with an anonymous police tip line and he hopes it will circumvent the street culture where talking to the police is considered taboo and punished severely.

"It’s something that is more anonymous than a telephone call where you have to have a conversation with someone," Davis said.

With this system, a person just needs to type the word "tip" into their phones and send the message to police. The sender’s identification is blocked, Davis said. Police will then "text" a message back asking for details.

Boston has already had 27 homicides this year and needs the public’s help to solve them. They have great hopes for this new system.

I just hope people are smart enough to use it.
Reuters