Text-A-Tip is evolving, moving to an application-based format that allows participants to take advantage of handy new options.

Began in Fountain Hills several years back, the Text-A-Tip program has grown in popularity across the state, giving residents the ability to anonymously report potential crimes/issues to the proper authorities. But while this program has so far been handled through text messaging, MCSO recently announced it will be shifting the program to an application called “P3 Tips.”

MCSO Captain Hank Brandimarte outlined the new program when speaking to the Fountain Hills Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition on Sept. 27. He noted that, while some details of the new program are still being nailed down, the P3 Tips application is already in use by MCSO and is still completely anonymous. Users have the ability to share their name through tips provided on the app, or they may remain unidentified if desired.

While Text-A-Tip is still active as of this writing, Brandimarte encouraged everyone to switch over to the P3 Tips app as soon as possible to provide future anonymous tips.

The application is available on Apple and Android devices. Simply search for “P3 Tips” where you would normally download an app, and make sure it says it is developed by Anderson Software.

Brandimarte notes that the set-up is simple and users will be guided through the whole process, including adding MCSO as the primary law enforcement agency.

Once the application is set up, users can choose from categories before sending a tip, allowing the information to be more easily discriminated to the proper authorities. There’s even a campus component, allowing students to provide anonymous tips directly affecting their school campus.

Another added feature is the ability to attach photos to tips, as well as the ability to track the progress of a tip after it has been reported. If the authorities need to get back in touch with the person sending the tip, it will also be handled through the application.

A project spearheaded by the local Coalition, Text-A-Tip has seen great success in the community. Brandimarte said the hope is that Fountain Hills residents will adopt this new method of providing tips as enthusiastically as the original program by downloading the P3 Tips application as soon as possible.