
expanded its program to allow for anonymous texting tips.
Luna County Dispatch Director Jon Mooradian said they are now utilizing TipSoft, a service for people to anonymously submit crime-related tips through the internet, a text message, or by downloading the TipSubmit app to their mobile phone.
All tips are routed to Canada, stripped of any identity such as a phone number or email address, given a tip number for
reference, and routed back to local law enforcement.
State Police Captain Robert Gomez said the process takes only seconds.
Previously, tips were submitted by calling the Crime Stoppers tip line at 546-7800.
Mooradian said the tip line remains open, but now all calls to it are being routed to a call center out of state where the information will be entered into the Luna County TipSoft database.
Mooridian said it is difficult to remain anonymous in a small town when the tips are being received by local dispatchers.In fact, there was an incident last year where a local
dispatcher was accused of leaking an anonymous tip to a suspect.
He said the TipSoft system has a high threshold for anonymity, which he hopes will result in more tips being communicated to help combat crime in Luna County.
Anonymous tips can be submitted by visiting www.lunacountynm.us or by texting LUNATIP plus your message to CRIMES – or 274637.
Residents also can sign up for TipSoft Alerts that allow local law enforcement personnel to send emergency information straight to their cell phone or email.
Log on to www.tipsoft.com and look for the public alert link.