DEA Accepting Tip Offs Via SMS
State and local law enforcers have been harnessing the power of mobile technology for a few years. Now, federal authorities want a slice of the action, with the announcement that the DEA is accepting tips offs via SMS.
The McAllen, TX branch of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has turned to text messaging to simplify citizen reporting of potential drug trafficking. DEA Assistant Special Agent Steve Jenkins in the branch office remarked that text messaging is another way to help residents feel safe in their community.
"We're trying to get the message out to the community that hey this is available and it’s a way for them to help keep the streets safe," Jenkins said.
Entitled ‘TIP 411,’ the anonymous program makes it possible to text a tip after witnessing possible drug activity. Tipsters can simply type TIP 411 into the “To” line, then use the message box to type RGV with either an image or a description of the crime. Jenkins says the tip will be passed to the DEA office, who will act accordingly. The number of anyone who sends a tip will not be viewed by the DEA agent.
Jenkins also noted the new system allows the office to keep in anonymous contact with tipsters, as opposed to phone call where the information flow ends once the person hangs up. Texting is also much less personal, and therefore makes it easy for someone to provide information without feeling uncomfortable.
The DEA hopes younger people will use the program, as it was designed for youth interested in keeping the community safe.
Other cities, such as New Orleans, El Paso, and Albuquerque, have enjoyed success implementing the program. Anyone who uses the program must be connected with a cell phone provider.
“This is a way for (the public) to anonymously provide the information to us and communicate back and forth with a DEA agent, via text message,” Jenkins added. “Then, if at some point they no longer want to communicate with us, they can send the word STOP in the message and all communication will be cut off with the agent.”
Once the tipster texts the word “Stop,” the DEA has no way of getting back in contact with the person.
Reports of the program have been met with somewhat mixed responses from the public, with some in favor of the idea, and others very much against it, saying the program isn’t particularly safe and is yet another wasted effort in “the war on drugs.”
Is the program a good idea? Only time will tell whether the DEA accepting tip offs via SMS message is ultimately workable. We'll be watching closely...