Fighting Crime One Text at a Time
A new text message program allows teens, others to send anonymous tips to police.
Got a tip? Text it. That's the message Des Plaines and Park Ridge officials are sending teenagers and other residents this school year. The TXTaTIP program, launched Aug. 3, represents the latest trend in providing information about crime. Angela Burton, Des Plaines deputy chief of police, is helping spread the word. "The days of calling the police may not be the same for this generation as others," she said. "So we just want to find another avenue for them to easily communicate with the police." The program is operated through a third-party vendor, Anderson Software, so tipsters may choose to remain anonymous. It is funded by Maine Community Youth Assistance Foundation (MCYAF) at 2720 River Rd., a nonprofit coalition of area …
