NYPD takes Crime Stoppers to the app store

The Crime Stoppers mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices, gives users the ability to submit or update a tip to investigators. Photo by Joy Ito.

By Jonathan Sperling

Community members can now report crimes and secretly submit tips to the NYPD through a new Crime Stoppers app unveiled Thursday.

The Crime Stoppers mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices, gives users the ability to choose from a crime category, submit or update a tip to investigators, view wanted posters and call the Crime Stoppers hotline anonymously. Users can select from ten different language options to give the information.

“The community is New York City’s best crime fighting resource and the mobile Crime Stoppers app is our newest tool to deepen our partnership with witnesses who provide anonymous tips that help us solve crimes,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Chief Dermot Shea in a statement.

“For 35 years, Crime Stoppers has engaged witnesses and those knowledgeable of crimes in their communities to help the NYPD, and this new app is gives the public another opportunity to have a vested interest in helping to keep their neighborhoods safe.

The app also allows users to submit tips to investigators with attached images, documents, and videos. If needed, the investigator can then communicate in a private two-way dialog with the tipster — new feature that was previously impossible through Crime Stoppers’ text messaging feature.

Those without a smartphone can continue to provide tips by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, or submitting through the Crime Stoppers website or social media channels. Those who submit tips that lead to an arrest or an indictment may be eligible for up to a $2,500 cash reward.