AFOSI launches app to anonymously fight crime

  • Published
  • By Carl Grusnick
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  In an effort to stem the "insider threat" to Air Force people and resources, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations is taking advantage of a primary means of communication among Airmen - smartphones.

Using a new application, "TipSubmitMobile," all smartphone users have the ability to communicate with AFOSI.

"We want to give Airmen a convenient, and most importantly, an anonymous means, to report activity detrimental to fellow Airmen. With this system, they can get involved without fear of exposure or retribution from others," said Christian Oliver, superintendent of AFOSI Detachment 116. "Airmen really want to do the right thing, but are often hesitant because of perceived social repercussions," added Oliver.

Of special concern to Air Force officials are violent crimes against Air Force members, sexual assaults, and drug use.

The application uses industry standard Secure Socket Layers connection, which encrypts information exchange to ensure anonymity. When accessing the app, and submitting a tip, a file number is created for retrieval. Later, the tipster can check back and see comments by an OSI agent and provide more information on their concern.

"With SSL, the agent can only review the posted information, which is only accessible by the tipster and the OSI," says Oliver, "Air Force members and the OSI agent can continue to converse anonymously through the secure system."

TipSubmitMobile is also available from personal computers, and whether by smartphone or PC, the app allows tipsters to submit electronic photos.

To download the free smartphone app, go to the Apple Application Store or Android Market function.

A Quick Response Code scan from a smartphone will also take you to the Internet site for tip reporting.

You can also send in tips by texting 'AFOSI' and the tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

For more information, go to https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1111 or http://www.osi.af.mil .

To download a detailed trifold on the program, go to http://www.osi.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-121003-042.pdf