Border Security by Way of Text Messaging

In Spokane, Wash., if you see suspicious border crime, you can text an anonymous tip to the U.S. Border Patrol.

The Spokane Sector Border Patrol and Anderson Software, a provider of law enforcement tip management software and Web applications, have joined together to provide this service.

“The popularity of text messaging has created a significant opportunity for the public to assist the Border Patrol in combating cross-border crime and smuggling,” said Spokane Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Tim York. “The ability for any citizen who owns a mobile phone to assist in accomplishing our mission of securing America’s borders is of great importance, and we are excited to play a pivotal role in the transmission of these crime fighting tips.”


TipSoft Text Tips encrypts text messages and routes them through several secure servers, protecting the personal details of the tipster. The service also allows law enforcement to respond to the tipster without ever knowing his or her identity. The user’s information is assigned an alias and a unique ID before being sent. This secure application allows the tipster and law enforcement to have a two-way dialog while always keeping the user’s identity completely anonymous.

The number to text is "CRIMES" (274637), or send a tip through the WebTips' website, https://www.tipsubmit.com/.