New App Allows Users to Report Crimes
Fairfax County Crime Solvers has a new app, TipSubmit.
Yes, there’s an app for that, too.
Fairfax County residents who need to report a crime quickly now have access to a free app for smartphones, called TipSubmit, the first app of its kind. TipSubmit works both on the iPhone and Andriod phones. It allows the public to anonymously submit tips to police through the Fairfax County Crime Solvers program.
The technology is similar to current programs that allow users to text and email tips. However, the mobile app offers an extra advantage in that it 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. Tipsters may also include photos and videos with their tips.
Fairfax County Crime Solvers has provided an anonymous tip line for the public since 1979. In 2008 the program introduced secure text and email capabilities. In Virginia, tipsters are protected under state law when they report information to a Crime Solvers program.
A.B.
12:06 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Crimes? There is a HUGE number of false and malicious 'suspicious person' reports called into the police across the region. The police are always dispatched to find the 'suspect' and the person who makes a complaint is almost never vetted. Shame on Patch for promoting such an outrageously unfair and possibly illegal system.
Ann
8:11 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Do you think there aren't crimes in Fairfax County? What this offers is another way for people who are aware of crimes going on (possibly even family or friends of a criminal) to report them anonymously.
Also, sometimes there really are suspicious people.
Will Restrepo
8:51 am on Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Thumbs up Patch, many times there are things we want to report, that may not be 911 worthy, and don't really know what to do.
RJ
2:27 pm on Thursday, April 26, 2012
You still can use the Non-emergency number: 703-691-2131