Burlington City Police Add Options For Tipsters

By Marcy Norton

BURLINGTON, N.J. (CBS) - Police in Burlington, New Jersey are offering citizens a new way to share tips on possible crime going on in the city.

They can now accept text messages, photos and even videos from tipsters who want to share information they think could help in crime investigations.

"For instance, if you have somebody that's selling drugs on the corner, the citizen can take a photo or send a message because you can do it a little more discreetly as opposed to picking the phone and actually calling it in," explains Detective Sgt. Ryan Elbertson.

The messages will then go to a cellphone that's monitored by the on-duty supervisor.

Elbertson says the sender's phone number will show up on the police phone, but tipsters can remain anonymous, meaning their name won't show up in any paperwork regarding the case.

Tipsters should call the same tipline number that's been in use in the city which is 609-233-8548.