Florida announces statewide phone number to submit crime tips

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(AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

People who have tips to report about crimes can now dial one number no matter where they are in the state.

That number is **TIPS (8477). It will connect you to the Crime Stoppers office in the region you’re calling from. There are 27 Crime Stoppers offices across the state, including in Southwest Florida.

Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers (FACS) made the announcement Thursday, saying it’s the first statewide cellular Crime Stoppers tip number of its kind in the nation.

“As Florida’s Attorney General, I am always looking for ways to improve how the public can work with law enforcement to fight crime and protect our communities. Crime Stoppers is a shining example of how we can work together toward this vital goal,” Moody said.

“The statewide program, **TIPS, allows citizens to anonymously report crime and collect rewards for tips that lead to an arrest. With these advances to these already successful programs, we hope even more citizens will help solve cases, stop crime and build a Stronger, Safer Florida.”

President of the FACS and executive director of Manatee County Crime Stoppers Frank Brunner said, “The network of 27 Crime Stoppers chapters serving Florida is excited about implementing this new technology. This system is one more tool in our toolbox which will make it easier for the public to anonymously share their critical information and assist law enforcement with making our state a safer place.”

When a user calls **TIPS, in addition to routing the caller to the local Crime Stoppers line, a smartphone application link will be sent to the phone which enables an individual to download the Crime Stopper app, P3 Tips. This free app is another avenue for individuals to report tips subject to rewards. Similar to any phone call made to Crime Stoppers, any tip sent through the app is reported anonymously.

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