Texting Tipline

A texting tipline is a method for individuals to provide information to law enforcement about youth drinking, parties, other drug use, or other concerns. Tiplines with easy-to-remember numbers promoted to students, teachers, or parents concerned about underage drinking and other drug use can be a valuable information source for law enforcement.

What is this strategy?

Texting Tipline Overview

Catalog of Prevention Strategies (Texting Tipline)

When should I consider implementing this strategy?

Youth report drinking alcohol at both social and retail locations such as house parties, or in their parents’ home, apartment buildings, private fields, hotel rooms, bars, restaurants, etc.
This strategy can also help with other alcohol/drug-related crimes such as vandalism, violence, bullying, etc.

How do I implement this strategy?

Key activities for implementation:

Determine agency responsible for monitoring the tipline
Determine coverage area (multi-county, county, city)
Communicate and gain support from law enforcement and community
Once implemented, promote the tip line and provide information to the public on how to use it

How-To Texting Tipline

Tip 411 Website

Have others implemented this strategy?

North Dakota communities:

City of Grand Forks
County of Grand Forks
City of Grafton
City of Watford City
Counties of Nelson and Griggs
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Spirit Lake Nation
- Spirit Lake Texting Tipline flyer
- Spirit Lake Texting Tipline poster

Other communities:

“DEA Atlanta Division Unveils Statewide Prescription Drug Texting Tip Line” (Article, United States DEA)

“DEA's Atlanta division establishes prescription drug texting tip line” (Article, Drug Store News)

“DEA turns to texting to fight prescription drug abuse” (Article, CNN)

“Jackson County schools to launch anonymous texting tip line” (Article, WLOX Mississippi)

Boston Police Department Crime Stoppers Text-A-Tip Program

Send Anonymous Tips to the Minneapolis Police Department Tip 411

Passaic County Sheriff’s Office Text-a-Tip Webpage

Passaic County Police Department Text-a-Tip (Flyer)

Texting Tipline Phone Image (Flyer)

Salt Lake City Police Department Tipline (Info Card)

Richmond Police Department Text-a-Tip (Info Card)