NEW CITY – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Zugibe announced a new way residents can anonymously alert police to crime or suspicious activity.
It is via “tip411,” a new text and social media-based tipline that will allow anyone with a smartphone, tablet, standard cell phone or computer to anonymously let police know that something doesn’t appear right.
Zugibe (podium) – countering fear of reprisal
In today’s climate, staying anonymous when tipping off the authorities is more important than ever, Zugibe said on Tuesday.
“There is also that fear, especially today, of reprisal. It may be fear of immigration consequences, it may be reluctance based upon something else to get involved. Never has it been a bigger problem for law enforcement than it is today, the whole area of witness intimidation and we deal with it on a regular basis and it probably poses the greatest threat to public safety that we are dealing with today.”
Clarkstown Police Chief Raymond McCullagh said tip411 will be an excellent tool for the police.
“Oftentimes people are reluctant to share information with the police because they are afraid that we are going to find out who they are and possibly their life can be a bit more complicated in the future,” McCullagh said. With this program, their identity remains anonymous.
Police will be able to communicate with the tipster for follow-up information.
There are three ways that people may report information anonymously:
They may send a text message to 847411 (tip411), they type the keyword ROCKLANDCODA, add a space, type your tip info and hit send.
They may download the free “RocklandCo DA” app for iPhone and Android to submit anonymous tips from a smartphone or tablet.
They may visit the Rockland County District Attorney’s web page on rocklandgov.com.
Zugibe noted the tip411 program is not a substitute for calling 911 if you need police or other emergency responders.
