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OSI tip line allows people to submit anonymously

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Alexandria Mosness
  • 81st Training Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss --  Reporting something suspicious on Keesler just got easier with the introduction of an anonymous tip line.

"The tip line allows the Air Force Office of Special Investigations to receive and process anonymous tips on anything from drugs and theft to sexual assault and terrorist activities affecting Keesler," said OSI Det. 407 Special Agent Kraig Reuter. "It's an opportunity for the Airmen on base to step forward and do the right thing, but at the same time protect their identity."

The tip line is not only anonymous but also convenient.

"There are three ways people can report tips to AFOSI anonymously - via text message, online and a smart phone application," explained Special Agent Adriano Ciciotti. "AFOSI understands the concerns facing today's military community. The AFOSI tip line provides service members and civilians a safe, discreet and anonymous option to report insider threat information, fraud, theft, drugs, counterintelligence indicators, murder, burglary, rape, environmental crimes, domestic assault and espionage."

Though some people may not think their input matters, the smallest bit of information can go a long way.

"These are all crimes happening within our community and severely impact our Air Force members and the mission," Ciciotti continued. "Any information that leads to identifying criminal activity is helpful; however, when reporting anonymously it's important to be able to provide as much information as possible such as who, what, when, where, why and how."

The anonymous tip line also gives the capability of more people coming forward with information about illegal activities.

"The majority of folks we deal with are either hesitant or fearful of coming forward with tips on crimes; the reason being possible reprisal or the fear of someone finding out they reported it," explained Reuter. "With the new AFOSI Anonymous Tip Line and its application for smart phones, the person reporting reads as 'Anonymous' to AFOSI Special Agents. Their identity is completely protected."

The importance of the tip line is not lost on the OSI special agents.

"Prior tips have led to multiple subjects being arrested and prosecuted for crimes ranging from drug use to theft and robbery both on and off base," said Reuter. "We have tailored to the cyber community and technology age in hopes of having more folks come forward to us with credible information."

"When it comes down to it, if you see something on base, simply say something." he added.

The program, dubbed "Tip Submit," allows the person reporting to provide a tip via a smartphone app, SMS text messaging or via their website at: http://www.tipsubmit.com.
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