Boston PD launch anonymous crime SMS tip service

Link: Anon SMS for Sending Crime Tips to the Police

Communications agency Hill Holliday have teamed up with the City of Boston and the Boston Police Department to launch a new anonymous text message tip line for the US city.

In a press conference held today, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis unveiled the major initiative to revitalize the city’s anonymous crime tip hotline. The tip hotline program, called Crime Stoppers, is being enhanced by enabling citizens to text message an anonymous tip to police. In addition, the program will be promoted to Bostonians though a targeted pro bono advertising campaign.

“The City of Boston is excited to introduce this new and innovative approach to the Boston Police Department’s Crime Stoppers program,” said Boston Police Commissioner Edward Davis. “We are confident that the anonymity of the text function coupled with the sophisticated outreach program will inspire individuals to provide police with helpful, investigative tips.”

The technical side, user interface and mobile connections are being provided by Verisign. According to the report, this is the first such service in the US.