Reporting a Crime? There’s an App for That

You can now send Fairfax County police an anonymous tip on a crime using either an iPhone or an Android phone.

The free app, TipSubmit, allows tipsters to anonymously send tips to police through their local Crime Solvers program, Fairfax County police said in a release this week.

The mobile app works with the existing TipSoft software already used by Fairfax County Crime Solvers for their text and email tips, but the app is more advanced because it also has the ability to use GPS to auto-locate the nearest Crime Solvers program or law enforcement agency.

Users may also manually select a location for their tip, or include photos and videos with their information.
 
Fairfax County Crime Solvers has provided an anonymous tip line for the public to report crime since 1979. In 2008 they introduced secure text and email capabilities.

"We are now proud to promote a new smartphone app to further the public’s ability to report crimes anonymously," the program said in a release.
 
In Virginia, tipsters and their information are protected under state law when their information is reported to a certified Crime Solvers program.

For the tipster that fears retaliation, this state law is essential. It allows the tipster to communicate with officers through a Crime Solvers program and still maintain their anonymity. As with the text and email capabilities, this app allows two-way communication, creating real-time chat between the tipster and program.

Smart phone users are encouraged to download this free app and use it when you have information on a crime or a wanted person. Here is a video with additional information on this new app,

For crimes occurring in Fairfax County, tipsters may continue to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), e-mail tips at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637).