Reading Police Department Launches 'Powerful New Crime Fighting Tool'

Thanks to a new cell phone application, Reading residents are now just one text message away from contacting police in the event of a sticky situation.

According to a press release, the Reading Police Department is launching a new TEXT A TIP app for Android and iPhone devices. As a result, resident are able to send anonymous tips to police, while officers are then able to respond back as an anonymous two-way chat is created.

Police said the new app, designed by a Minnesota company, is aimed at all age groups, but specifically provides the option for younger residents to help police stop crime. In the press release, police praised the "powerful new crime fighting tool"

"We're proud to make this technology available to our citizens free of charge," said Police Chief James Cormier. "This tool, along with our existing tip411 program, will help our citizens play an active role in keeping neighborhoods safer, it will engage people of all ages in the process and it will save our agency time and resources."

To download the new app, visit the Google Play store or iTunes by searching "READINGPDTIPS."