Crime & Safety

OMG CPD Launches Tipster App

Clearwater Police launched a free iPhone application that lets users send in tips anonymously.

Need to send a tip to police? There’s an app for that.

The Clearwater Police Department has continued its foray into online assistance with the launch of a smartphone application Wednesday.

The Clearwater PD Tips iPhone app lets the public send anonymous tips to police. Officers can also respond to messages.

The tool works with the tip411 program the department already has in place. A tipster remains anonymous through a program that scrambles the user information, filtering out the phone number.

“We can communicate directly with the person,” said Elizabeth Watts, police spokeswoman, “if they want or are able to give additional information.”

The free app can be downloaded through Apple's App Store or at www.clearwaterpolice.org.

It’s not the only 21st century tool the department uses. A Facebook fan page . The page includes information about crime trends and prevention tips, arrests and events. It has 320 fans.

“So far, we’ve gotten a good response on the Facebook page,” Watts said. “It’s another way to open the lines from police to the community.”

Also, the Walk and Talk and Ride Along programs and community liaisons reach out to neighborhoods and businesses.

“Getting out and talking to people – that’s crucial for our success,” Watts said.

Other ways to connect:

  • For emergencies, call 911.
  • For non-emergencies, call 562-4242.
  • Tip information can be sent to the tip line (562-4080), emailed to police@myclearwater.com or submitted anonymously through tip411.

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