The Colorado Springs Police Department is introducing a new service called TIP411 through CitizenObserver.com which is a web based crime tip program where citizens can send crime tips to the Colorado Springs Police Department via text message or e-mail.  The tipster will remain anonymous as TIP411 assigns the tipster a generic number and that is all CSPD sees.  Tipsters are also able to send crime tips by e-mail as well.  The system will allow the CSPD to ask the tipster follow up questions via the TIP411 system without ever identifying the tipster.  It is our hope that citizens that may not feel comfortable calling in a crime tip may be more willing to send a short descriptive tip that will help solve crimes in Colorado Springs.  Once a citizen submits an anonymous tip via text or e-mail there will be no further obligation on their part if they so desire. 

 The Colorado Springs Police Department does not want citizens using TIP411 to send emergency messages as the system will not be monitored in the same way that the 911 phone system is.  TIP411 will be monitored 24 hours a day, but is not intended for emergency calls.  If there is an emergency citizens should call 911. What TIP411 will allow is for someone to submit a tip about a crime they know is about to happen.  They may not be able to make a phone call without the suspects knowing, but they might be able to send a text message.

If a citizen would like to submit a tip they must start the text with CSPD and their tip to 847411 (tip411).  For example:

CSPD, the suspect in your recent bank robbery is Joe Smith who lives at 123 Main St.

Tip411 Sample Text