Sandy Springs tipsters can text crimes to police

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs police have a new way for people to report tips about crimes, and all you need is two thumbs and a phone.

Until now, police told Channel 2’s Mike Petchenik they received tips the old-fashioned way, by phone, and most recently by e-mail.

“We’d have to have someone go back and listen to the voice messages, combing through all the false messages,” said Sgt. Ron Momon of the Sandy Springs Police Department.

Momon said tipsters can now text the department anonymously at:  CRIMES (274637), Keyword: “SSPDTIPSGA.”

They can also download an application on their iPhone or Android known as "Tip Submit" which can also be found at www.tipsubmit.com.

“We’re notified by e-mail when those tips come in and so we can go in and review those tips and provide them to the property agency, be it our criminal investigations unit or drug unit,” Momon said.  “We’re always looking at ways we can stay ahead of the curve and things we can help fight crime.”

Petchenik showed the application and text hotline to some Sandy Springs residents.

Christina Davis said she would definitely take advantage of the application if the situation called for it.

“I think it’s great.  I’m gonna download it,” she said.  “One of the reasons I think it’s really good is a lot of people don’t want to call in.”

Police said they hope the new application will encourage a larger audience of people to speak up when they see something criminal going on.

“Younger generation would feel more comfortable with this,” he said.

Several other area departments, including Fulton County Schools Police, Atlanta School Detectives, Chamblee, Clayton County, Dunwoody, and Douglasville Police police use the tip soft application, as do the Rockdale and Newton County Sheriff’s offices.

WSBTV