New App Allows Users to Report Crimes

Yes, there’s an app for that, too.

Fairfax County residents who need to report a crime quickly now have access to a free app for smartphones called TipSubmit, the first app of its kind. TipSubmit works both on the iPhone and Andriod phones. It allows the public to anonymously submit tips to police through the Fairfax County Crime Solvers program.

The technology is similar to current programs that allow users to text and email tips. However, the mobile app offers an extra advantage in that it has the ability to use GPS to auto-locate the nearest Crime Solvers program or law enforcement agency. Users may also manually select a location for their tip. Tipsters may also include photos and videos with their tips.

Fairfax County Crime Solvers has provided an anonymous tip line for the public since 1979. In 2008 the program introduced secure text and email capabilities. In Virginia, tipsters are protected under state law when they report information to a Crime Solvers program.