Text Tip-off to Combat Crime
Crime Stoppers are Making a Significant Impact in the War on Crime
Now new technology in the form of a range of anonymous text tip-off systems appears to be showing a strong possibility of being a safer way for the public to act.
According to the Crime Stoppers web site nearly three quarters of a million arrests are now attributed to Crime Stoppers action. With the introduction of text tip-off systems it is hoped that the war against lawlessness is about to take a big step forward.
Anonymous Text Tip-off - the Way Forward
Following the successful launch of an anonymous text tip-off system in Boston, Master Sergeant Charles Phillips of the Oklahoma City Police Department posted an article on the OKC Crime Stoppers web site. It was hoped that the article would prompt offers of help and support in the delivery of technology required to launch a local system and only a few months after the publication, Oklahoma Crime Stoppers and Oklahoma technology company ProductiveT have launched their system.
Engaging a Commercial Partner
ProductiveT was selected as the development partner for the system because, as Don Bobzien of Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers said in an exchange with the author - “Their (ProductiveT) expertise in the areas necessary for the implementing of this new program, their responsiveness to all our needs and their ability to adapt to our unique demands for confidentiality.”
City police department spokesman and coordinator for OKC Crime Stoppers, Master Sergeant Phillips, says in an article on the ProductiveT website - “By addressing the communications needs and preferences of our community members we hope to increase involvement in and the number of tips received by Crime Stoppers of Oklahoma City.”
The Importance of Security and Confidentiality
Confidentiality and simplicity are the key factors with this system. ProductiveT has developed a client base rather than a web base for the system as this affords greater security and reliability. The sender selects or enters a single number, enters the message and sends. No PIN numbers or special codes are required and no text charge is made to the sender.
Delivering a System Designed for Simple Secure Affordable Use
Max Doleh, ProductiveT President and CEO, claims that this technology differs greatly from other offerings. When interviewed by the author he said - “The police department have their own dedicated number for receiving the messages and unlike most systems there is no need for the sender to enter any special codes. Just send the text and that’s it. The system also affords complete anonymity to the tipster, the police department never see the sender’s number, there is no third party agency involved and there is no extra per message charge other than the standard monthly plan payment to the wireless provider. With flat rate plans for unlimited messaging, this is a very cost effective solution.
From the administrative point of view the system can run behind a firewall or on a secured web interface. This makes the system very much more secure than other offerings, plus it can be operated on a single PC or shared across local area or wide area network.
The complete package is more flexible than anything that has been seen to date, it is also a good deal more affordable than the alternatives that are available or under development.”
