METHUEN -- Mayor Stephen Zanni and Chief Joseph E. Solomon are pleased to announce that the Methuen Police Department is launching the tip411 alert system to improve public safety in town.

Tip411 is a new interactive way to keep the community connected and informed through email, text message and online public safety alerts. The new system will also allow the public to report crimes and other suspicious activity directly to police by sending anonymous text messages or submitting tips online or through the Methuen Police Department App.

“We believe an informed community is a safer community,” Mayor Zanni said. “The new tip411 system allows our department to engage with the public and share information that will help make the City of Methuen a safer place.”

Residents can register to receive alerts from Methuen Police via email and/or text message by signing up online or downloading the Methuen PD App. Developed by tip411, the Methuen PD App enables the public to share anonymous tips with police and lets officers respond back. Residents can download the app for free via the Google Play Store or iTunes App Store by searching for “Methuen PD App.”

“In a society where technology and media are so prominent in all aspects of our lives, we believe this new app will only help to increase our connection with our community members,” Chief Solomon said. “We have worked hard to notify, educate and respond to our citizens in all regards, and tip411 is another resource that helps facilitate this process.”

The public can also share information on crimes or other suspicious activity by sending a text message to 847411 (tip411), including EYES4MPD and their message in the body of the text. Those who prefer a web-based option can share information with police by using the tip411 webform on the Methuen Police website or on the department’s Facebook page by clicking the “submit a tip” link.

Methuen Police would like to remind the community that this new system should never be used in the event of an emergency, and that residents should always dial 911 if they need immediate assistance.