An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

AFOSI introduces first anonymous tip line app

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Air Force Office of Special Investigations is capitalizing on cyberspace and the opportunity to engage the community more effectively with the implementation of its first anonymous tip line application.

The new "Anonymous Tip Line" operates via the internet, SMS (texting) and also a smart phone application. These tools will allow anyone to provide AFOSI with anonymous tips on everything from drugs and theft, to terrorist activities and potential insider threats.

"Before now, we really had no true way for people wanting to report a potential tip to remain anonymous," said Special Agent Patrick Brom, Sheppard AFOSI detachment commander. "With these new applications, anybody reporting a tip has the ability to remain 100 percent anonymous and have their concerns addressed in a timely manner."

Two of the unique features of the online and smart phone applications is the ability of individuals to send in photographs with their tip and the capability of agents to request more information from the tipster without diminishing their anonymity.

Additionally, all three avenues of reporting allow the tipster to check on the results of their tips.

"Cyberspace, social media and smart phones are where we are at today as a society," Brom said. "We (AFOSI) have to adapt to meet the times and connect with people on the mediums they use the most. We want to enable anyone to help in the fight against crime no matter where they are or what time of day or night it is."

The ability for individuals to stay completely anonymous is perfect for those wanting to do the right thing but who might be hesitant to come forward in person.

"People who might remain silent because of the fear of retribution due to coming forward no longer have that worry," Brom said. "Doing the right thing just got a whole lot easier with these applications."

You can download the free smartphone app, called TipSubmit Mobile, by going directly to the Apple Application Store or Android Market function on your phone.

Once you have downloaded TipSubmit Mobile to your phone, open the application and choose "Manually Select An Agency", then "Federal/Military" and finally "Air Force Official of Special Investigations". After you create a password, select "New Tip" and fill out the data forms with the tip information. Select "Submit Tip" to finish.

To send a tip via text message, text "AFOSI" plus your tip information to 274637 (CRIMES).

To report a tip via the internet, go to https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.as px?AgencyID=1111 or to the website link on the Sheppard Air Force Base homepage.

You can also scan the QR code with your smart phone to get to the internet site to report a tip.

To download a trifold with detailed instructions on the program, click here.