Crime:  See It. Text It. Stop It

Silent Observer is proud to announce that residents can now text message us anonymously with information about crime.  Silent Observer is the first in the State of Michigan to offer this text messaging function. In fact, with this new technology, Silent Observer will have the ability to text the tipster back to ask questions or to gather more information.  This two-way communication will improve the quality of the tips and assist police in gathering crime-solving information faster.   Text messaging provides several advantages over traditional voice calls, especially when calling may not be safe.  Texting allows residents to report on a crime in progress without saying a word.

To send Silent Observer an anonymous text message:

• Text Tip138 plus your message to CRIMES (274637). 
• The keyword TIP138 must appear on the first line of your text message in order to reach Silent Observer.
• You will then receive an automatic text message reply that will contain your confidential ID number.
• Silent Observer will be able to send text messages back to you without knowing your cell phone number to ask questions or gather more information.

You Are Guaranteed Anonymity:

In developing this new text messaging system, a leading software company worked closely with a leading Canadian information security expert to build a system capable of two-way SMS communication without revealing the mobile phone number to Silent Observer.  To accomplish this, the system assigns an encrypted alias…fully protecting the identities of those providing the valuable information and provides secure and anonymous ongoing communications.  For more information about this, please email cameronc@grandrapids.org. 

Cost to Send:

Although Silent Observer’s Text A Tip is complimentary and requires no purchase or fee for participation, standard messaging rates and other fees may apply. Check your mobile plan for more details.

Disclaimer:

Silent Observer is not responsible for incomplete, lost, late, damaged, illegible or misdirected e-mail or mobile messages or for any technical problems, malfunctions of any telephone lines, computer systems, servers, providers, hardware/software, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmission or any combination thereof. Silent Observer is not responsible for any liability for damage to any computer system resulting from participation in or accessing or downloading information in connection with this program.

Silent Observer reserves the right at its sole discretion to disqualify or restrict access from any individual who tampers with the program process. Silent Observer assumes no responsibility for undeliverable emails or mobile messages resulting from any form of active or passive email or mobile filtering by a user's internet service provider / mobile provider and/or email client or for insufficient space in user's email or mobile phone account to receive email or messages. Silent Observer reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel or suspend this program should a virus, bug, or other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor corrupt the administration, security or proper operation of the program. In the event of termination, a notice will be posted on-line. Sponsor reserves the right to modify the promotion or disqualify participants if fraud, misconduct or technical failures destroy the integrity of the program as determined by Sponsor, in its sole discretion. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply.

If you have any questions, please email cameronc@grandrapids.org