Palo Alto PD Launches Txt Tipster Program

The Palo Alto Police Department has launched a new anonymous tip service that lets citizens share information by text message and email.

The service, TipNow, encrypts a sender's cell number or e-mail address and removes any identifying information, according to police.

Tips can be e-mailed or texted to paloalto@tipnow.org.

The service is not intended to replace 911 in emergency situations. Police are asking residents to pass along tips or information that relate to cases police are investigating.

Authorities hope that the TipNow service appeals to younger, tech-savvy residents. Law enforcement agencies in Sunnyvale and Santa Clara are also using the TipNow system.