OTHELLO — The Othello Police Department is reaching out through text messaging to obtain crime tips.

The department launched tip411. The program allows people to send a text message containing an anonymous tip to the department.

“This capability is a new paradigm for creating safer communities, especially in reaching out to a younger age demographic,” police Chief Steve Dunnagan stated. “When someone feels afraid to come forward, or simply feels like they don’t want to get involved, this can be a great way to pass information on without fear of retribution.”

All identifying information associated with the text is removed so the department does not know who sent it to ensure anonymity.

To use the anonymous texting service, text “Othello” and the tip information to tip411 (847411).

Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.othello-wa.us at the police department’s Crime Stoppers menu.

— Staff report