Enumclaw citizens have a new, high-tech opportunity to help the crime-fighting efforts of the city’s police force.

The Enumclaw Police Department last week announced the availability of TipSoft, a service for citizens to anonymously submit crime-related tips through the Web, a text message, or from any Android or iPhone mobile device with the TipSubmit mobile app.

“Many people see or hear of suspicious things happening in their neighborhood but, for whatever reason, feel it is not their business to become involved,” said Capt. Bob Huebler. “The Enumclaw Police Department is always looking for ways to effectively engage with the public directly.”

TipSoft has proved successful because it uses technology that is familiar to citizens, which allows them to carry on an anonymous two-way conversation with the agency without requiring them to speak directly to an officer.

Huebler said the system affords the public an opportunity “to stay up-to-date on local crime information and communicate crime information, unsafe conditions, and tips back to us anytime, anywhere.”

TipSoft goes one step beyond simply allowing people to issue tips regarding possible crimes in the community. The system also allows citizens to submit videos or photographs using the mobile app. TipSoft can be used to submit information on crimes, missing children, fugitives and other non-emergency situations.

TipSoft, a division of PublicEngines, is a growing part of the police-public partnership. A press release noted that TipSoft is used by more than 900 law-enforcement agencies that have, via the TipSoft system, received more than 2 million tips. Those tips, it was noted, have resulted in 145,000 arrests, 55,000 fugitives caught and more than $5.3 billion recovered in drugs and property – including 11,000 vehicles and 22,000 weapons.

Tips can be submitted by visiting http://www.cityofenumclaw.net/149/Police, or by texting the word “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword ENUMTIPS.