Brick Police Launch Anonymous Online Tip Service

Have a tip for the Brick police?

You can now submit tips anonymously over the Internet, township officials have announced.

Tip411, now live on the township's website, is an internet-based tool that enables citizens to submit tips to the police department anonymously over the internet or through a smart phone app that is available for free. According to local officials, Tip411 technology removes all identifying information before the police department sees it so there is no way to identify the sender.

“Tip411 is one more resource in the department’s commitment to use technology to increase our effectiveness. It will become an integral component of our community policing efforts which include our use of Facebook and Twitter,” said Chief Nils Bergquist, in a statement. “Our goal with these technologies is to make Brick Township safer by strengthening our relationship with our citizens through improved communication, awareness and participation.”

Tip411 was created exclusively for public safety agencies by CitizenObserver, a St. Paul, Minnesota based company, in 2000. The company has since expanded its reach to law enforcement agencies in 40 states.

Officials hope the system's anonymity will spur more tips to the police department.

“The eyes of the citizens are an invaluable resource for our police," said Mayor John Ducey. "Unfortunately, many citizens are reluctant to report matters for fear of retribution or other concerns. This new tool allows them to report their safety concerns completely anonymously.”

The link is located on www.bricktownship.net/departments/public-safety. Citizens can also submit tips via a link on the Brick Township Police Department Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/brickpolicepio.

Citizens can also download the BrickPD app for free at the App Store for iPhones and iPads and the Google Play store for Android phones.