DPS Launches New Anonymous Crime Tips Tool

WASILLA — The Alaska Department of Public Safety recently announced a new application that gives anyone across the state the ability to report illegal activity and crime investigation tips anonymously.

Alaskan residents can now view alerts and submit anonymous tips from their smart devices or computers with the new AKtips app, according to a recent DPS press release.

The app is free and available for download in the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store. It can also be directly accessed from the DPS website at dps.alaska.gov/tips.

“The Alaska Department of Public Safety is committed to protecting Alaskans across our state and making our state a safe place to live and raise a family,” Alaska Department of Public Safety Commissioner, James Cockrell stated in the press release. “We believe our new AKtips app and website will help greatly enhance our ability to deliver on our mission by engaging Alaskans to help report crime tips and information securely to law enforcement.”

The new crime-fighting app is designed to be accessible for those with and without smartphones, tablets, or computers. Text messages can be sent using the keyword, “AKTIP” along with their tip to 847411. Anonymous web tips can also be submitted through the DPS web portal.

The DPS noted in the press release that this new crime reporting app does not replace calling for assistance or reporting emergencies to 911 or calling local Alaska State Trooper posts for non-emergency situations. It also indicated that the addition of the app does allow Troopers to respond to crime tip users, establishing an “anonymous two-way conversation” and aiding their overall efforts.

The AKtips app is similar to how people use the Crime Stoppers program available in certain parts of the state by securely removing all identifying information before law enforcement sees the tips, according to the press release.

The app was developed by Tip 411, an online crime reporting platform. The project was funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant.

DPS announced another online tool to be utilized by Alaskans everywhere, Alaska Wildlife Troopers’ new roadkill salvage database.

Eligible organizations and groups can salvage roadkill animals in their areas after being notified by Troopers or other law enforcement agencies through the Alaska Roadkill Salvage Program.

The online signup page is intended to streamline the application process. Prior to this upgrade, paper forms had to be manually entered into multiple lists that were then curated by hand.

Alaskans can securely signup on an easy-to-use website, and the database will be automatically updated for regional dispatch centers through the new system, which launched July 1.

Participants must respond within 30 minutes of notification and remove the entire animal from the roadway, and then the participant can process the animal for consumption.

“This new secure database will be a huge improvement for Troopers, Dispatchers, and Alaskans as a whole. Information can be easily submitted online, and participants will be quickly notified if a salvageable animal is available in their area,” Alaska Wildlife Troopers Director, Colonel Doug Massie stated in a recent press release. “Each year, hundreds of moose and other animals are unfortunately killed on Alaska’s roadways; with the Roadkill Salvage Program, we keep our roadways clean and help feed less fortunate Alaskans.”

The former database used for roadkill salvage is being discontinued, so those already enrolled will need to sign up again online. Eligible salvage teams and nonprofits can register online at dps.alaska.gov/AWT/Roadkill.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com