Watch CBS News

Washington Co. Residents Can Text Crime Tips

HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Washington County officials say they hope residents will take advantage of the opportunity to text crime tips to law enforcement agencies.

Hagerstown police Capt. Mark Holtzman says the tips are anonymous are sent to police by dialing 847411. The tips go to the Washington County Emergency Communications Center, and are also sent to the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Hagerstown police department detectives.

Holtzman tells The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown that the service does not replace the 911 service.

The Hagerstown Police Department is partnering with Washington County Public Schools on the service. Officials say the county's board of education paid $3,000 to cover two years of the service.

Afterward, the Hagerstown police department and county sheriff's office will then take turns paying for the service.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.