Report a Crime in JCC with Texting, Email

By Sam Thrift Thursday, August 25, 2011

James City County residents now have a new way to communicate with the police when a crime has occurred or if they have information about suspicious activities in their neighborhood: through texting and email.

The James City County Police Department has launched a new system that lets individuals email or text tips through their phones to tips@james-city.va.us, allowing citizens to remain anonymous and report information without fear of retribution or repercussions for coming forward.

According to a press release from the James City County Police Department, information reported to police will be treated confidentially.

“The system will provide reassurance to individuals familiar with texting and email while allowing the Police Department to gain valuable tips and intelligence regarding crime that may be occurring in the County,” the police department said in the press release.

The JCC police stressed that citizens should not use this method to report crimes in progress. They ask that residents call the police directly by dialing 911 in case of an emergency.

The system is set up within the county’s current e-mail system and does not cost the police department or James City County any additional funds to operate. The police department received grant funding from the Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg for printed literature promoting the program.