Chris A Watkins

Law and Order – Crime Stoppers Move to Adopt Anonymous Text Tip Off Systems.

Only six months after a call for increased resources to bring anonymous text tip-off technology to Oklahoma City, a system is ready for launch.

Following the deployment of similar technology in Boston last year Master Sergeant Charles Phillips of the Oklahoma City Police Department posted an article on the OKC Crime Stoppers web site (http://www.okccrimetips.com/localnews.aspx). It was hoped that the article would prompt offers of help and support in the delivery of technology required to launch a local system and only a few months after the publication, Oklahoma Crime Stoppers and Oklahoma technology company ProductiveT are ready to go.

Master Sergeant Phillips, OKC Crime Stoppers Co-ordinator, says “By addressing the communications needs and preferences of our community members we hope to increase involvement in and the number of tips received by Crime Stoppers of Oklahoma City.”

ProductiveT was selected as the development partner for the system because, as Don Bobzien of Oklahoma City Crime Stoppers puts it “Their (ProductiveT) expertise in the areas necessary for the implementing of this new program, their responsiveness to all our needs and their ability to adapt to our unique demands for confidentiality.”

Confidentiality and simplicity are the key factors with this system. ProductiveT has developed a client base rather than a web base for the system as this affords greater security and reliability. The sender selects or enters a single number, enters the message and sends. No PIN numbers or special codes are required and no text charge is made to the sender.

Other recently launched systems rely on message routing through many servers to ensure anonymity. It is not clear how this may actually work as servers log all such transactions with time stamps. The ProductiveT system automatically screens the tipster’s identity from the Crime Stoppers staff, ensuring complete anonymity throughout the two way text conversation. Don Bobzien says “We are aware the younger segments of our population, including students, have important information in regard to crime, potential crime and gang information that they may be hesitant to provide unless they are absolutely assured of total anonymity. ProductiveT is able to provide this in a timely manner and at a reasonable cost.”

Ease of deployment is another plus for the Oklahoma City anonymous tip system. “The software is simple to use with features that address our needs for reporting and tip management,” says Msgt Phillips. The client can be installed on a single PC or a network and the user interface is similar to popular mail client software. This enables new users to become system familiar with minimal training.

According to the Crime Stopper web site (http://www.c-s-i.org/supporters.php) nearly three quarters of a million arrests are now attributed to Crime Stopper action. With anonymous text tip-off apparently showing great possibilities of being a safer way for the public to act against crime it is hoped that the war against lawlessness is about to take a big step forward.

About ProductiveT

Productive Technologies is a productivity improvement and vision delivery firm. ProductiveT specializes in wireless and mobile marketing solutions, and enterprise software and web development. ProductiveT has developed interactive and participation based systems using its own SMS and mobile development platform. ProductiveT is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and has offices in Norman, Oklahoma, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. ProductiveT works with small to large businesses including Fortune 500 companies. ProductiveT website is www.productiveT.com.

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Article Tags: Crime Stoppers, Anonymous Text, Oklahoma City

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