PORTLAND — Portland police are trying to raise the profile of the department’s “Text a Tip” program, which the city says has generated valuable leads in the year it’s been in existence.
The system allows people to submit anonymous tips to the department by texting on a cell phone. The system has generated more than 300 tips over the past year.
One of those tips, a report of underage people buying alcohol at a convenience store, led police to seize an illegal video poker machine. Police say they have received leads they would not have gotten otherwise, particularly from young people for whom texting is a preferred mode of communication.
On the one-year anniversary of the program, the department has engaged local radio stations to air public service announcements reminding the public about the system and how it works.
To use the system, mobile phone users text the keyword GOTCHA plus their message to 274637 (CRIMES).
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