MILTON — A new smartphone app allows residents to anonymously submit crime tips.
P3 Tips from Anderson Software — free to download from Google or iTunes — allows users to submit photos or video with their tip along with the option of having two-way dialog messaging.
Locally, it can help Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers and other law enforcement agencies.
Once a user downloads the app, a numeric passcode is required to access the software. The app gives the tipster a random identification number that allows for total anonymity.
“Anonymous is the most important part of this,” SRC Crime Stoppers coordinator Rich Aloy said. “The app is through a third party, so there is no connection to the tipster.”
So, why P3 — Public, Police, Private Sector — Tips?
“We decided to use P3 because it is user-friendly and updated for us,” Aloy said. “It’s user-friendly for the tipster and it allows for more and faster communication.”
Aloy demonstrated how fast the system works by submitting a test tip to the software — his cell phone instantly received a notification.
“I determine what agency (the tip) goes to and I take the tip and send it over to the agency that is doing the investigation,” he said. “Once that tip goes out, and if there is an arrest or a closure, (the agency) then informs me … and at that point that is how we figure out (what) to pay the tipster.”
Aloy said the tipster would receive a code and directions to claim their reward from a local bank.
The app expands available tip options such as calling Crime Stoppers, 437-STOP, or accessing www.srccs.com through the P3 software.
“Most people have cell phones, (electronic) tablets and mobile devices,” Aloy said. “It’s a lot easier for someone to leave a tip and be anonymous about it.”
Aloy said SRC Crime Stoppers monthly receives around 60 tips. In addition to regularly updating the Santa Rosa Crime Stoppers Facebook account, the organization has placed six information kiosks throughout the county. Three of the kiosks were purchased by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
The kiosks, located at each Walmart in the county, display facial pictures and information on individuals wanted by the organization. These kiosks, among other things, also disperse public announcements and share information on current Amber Alerts.
Residents can scan a QR code on the kiosk uploading the P3 Tip application, Aloy said.
“Sometimes you will go to Walmart and see a crowd around these kiosks looking to see who is wanted by Crime Stoppers,” Aloy said.
“It’s good way to communicate with the public.”
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Crime Stoppers unveil new app for crime tips