Police establish text line for public tips

Madison Police have set up a new system designed to help the public report crime.
The Text To Protect Tip Line was launched this week. It’s designed to be an easy, confidential way to report suspicious activity, whether it’s at a school or in a neighborhood.
Citizens are asked to provide as much information as possible when they call the line, including the date, time, location, descriptions or names of people involved and any details of the incident. If vehicles are involved, police said a license plate and car description would be helpful.
Tips can be texted to 604-2345 or emailed to texttoprotect@madisonal.gov.
“Although we prefer to speak directly to concerned citizens, we recognize that texting and emails are the preferred method of communication.
“We want to accommodate the way the public wants to communicate with us,” police officials said.
The tip line can be used for things such as threats against schools or students; domestic violence; child abuse; community vandalism; wanted persons; drug sales, weapons; or rumors of suggested crimes.
People are involved in an emergency are asked to call 911 and not the tip line.