For the first time, mobile phone users can provide anonymous crime tips to the Tucson Police Department, utilizing a new technology called TipSoft.

The new program allows citizens to send anonymous tips online via iPhone or Android mobile apps.

Additionally, they can send a text message to “CRIMES” (274637) beginning with the keyword “TucsonPD”  from a mobile phone.

For the investigation involving the disappearance of Isabel Celis, the Tucson Police Department is using a specific full keyword of “TucsonPD 5265”

TipSoft, which is a component of the CrimeStoppers network, allows agencies and members of the public to have a two-way dialog that is completely secure and anonymous. The service specifically allows text message providers to remain anonymous by encrypting the text messages, assigning them a unique ID, and routing them through secure servers, protecting the personal details of the information provider.

Generally, citizens are encouraged to use TipSoft in order to report information about any non-urgent illegal activity, such as unsolved cases, vandalism, theft, the sale and distribution of drugs or information about crimes that are being plannedi n the community or in schools. However, in this instance, police encourage anyone with information concerning the disappearance of Isabel Celis to utilize the text-a-tip tool as another means by which law enforcement can obtain crucial investigative information.

Information and instructions for the TipSoft program can be located on the Tucson Police Department website.