Full Notification

The Enid Police Department in conjunction with the Garfield County Crime Stoppers has now made it possible to text tips in addition to calling crime stoppers. Now citizens can send a crime tip via a text message. Communications technology has advanced causing more and more people to use computers and cell phones in lieu of land line phones. Research provided by the National White Collar Crime Center shows that in the last four years there has been a 142% increase in the number of cell phone subscribers and a 2,378% increase in the number of text messages. “This technology allows further anonymous interaction with the crime reporting public. I feel that citizens will use this reporting tool as it is quick and easy to do. We know that a lot of the public is fed up with crime in the community and we encourage them to share their knowledge and tips. Just one small tip can solve a case”, stated Chief Brian O’Rourke.
The program is called TipSoft and it is part of CrimeReports which is the largest online resource for accurate, up-to-date crime information. Detective Sergeant Randy King stated that TipSoft will enhance crime stoppers because of communications today. He stated that this program will be monitored 24 hours a day and it will be possible to have real time texting back and forth between a detective and a citizen. No identifying information will be sent with the text so that tippers can still remain anonymous. Citizens need to text their tip to 274637 and they will need to type “Enid” in the subject field. This will insure that it is sent properly. TipSoft has the capability of sending photos through this method also. If a citizen photographs a tag number, vehicle, person or something that is important for the police to know, then they can send that along with their text. After submitting a tip, the citizen will be provided with their own unique ID number that they will use when checking the status of their tip or picking up their reward.
There are also apps available for the iphone and the Android. If you don’t have a cell phone you can still access this program on a computer by going to tipsoft.com. Here you can submit an anonymous web tip. This website can also help answer questions that the public may have about this technology. If you don’t have a computer or a cell phone you can still utilize the Crime Stoppers land line at 580-233-6233. “This release is just the beginning of a campaign in which the police department intends to further advertise utilizing this technology”, said Chief O’Rourke. The department will be reaching out to the public in other places such as schools and websites.
Citizens also need to be aware that standard texting rates may apply. Never submit an emergency tip using this method. Please call 911 if it is an emergency. If you have any questions regarding TipSoft or Crime Stoppers contact Sgt. Randy King at 616-7102.