Crimestoppers is going high tech. This week, it started offering a new way to submit anonymous tips to police using a free app for smartphones.
Detective Jon Leach, coordinator of Crimestoppers of the Quad Cities, says tips will still be accepted by phone and the website, but the new way uses an app called P3 Tips.
"If you see something, see a crime, you just pop the app right open. It's easy to navigate and what's different from the text messaging is you can actually change your tip and update your tip."
Leach says there's no limit to what can be submitted - text, plus photos, videos, and even documents can all be uploaded using P3 Tips, and the sender can still remain anonymous and claim a reward if the information leads to an arrest.
"What's also neat is it has the Quad Cities Most Wanted on there. And if you happen to know where John Doe is, you just go ahead and click right on it and it takes you straight to that person. You don't have to worry about spelling, or how old they are, or what crime they're wanted for - it'll automatically link up right there."
Crimestoppers of the Quad Cities started in 1982, and Leach emphasizes police have no interest in knowing who is giving them a tip or why, and even with this new technology they don't have the ability to find out.
Tips can still be called in to Crimestoppers at 309-762-9500, or submitted online at qccrimestoppers.com.
