Quiver & Quill

Cyclist Underneath Taxi by J. Russell

I was standing at the train station in Harvard Square when I first saw the sign: send a text message to report a crime.

The ad is apart of the Boston police’s new Text a Tip program. There’s a lot of reasons this program makes sense:

• Connecting with young people, who have witnessed a crime, using a familiar communication channel
• Providing a safe reporting atmosphere (even though texting wouldn’t be completely anonymous if your number is attached to it).

While I imagine this will increase the amount of tips (leads) about crimes, what percentage of text leads turn out to be legitimate…? And how will this number compare to other channels?

The advertising campaign is executed pro bono by Hill Holiday. Has Hill Holliday considered selling the sponsorship rights to the bounce back message on the text? For example, when you text your tips, what if Dunkin Donuts sent this message: “Thx for helping to make the community safer. Enjoy a free donut on us. Coupon code: 1232324.”

Here’s what happened when I texted the tip line: “Your tip best fits into which category? A violent crime. B. Drugs. C. Gang Activity. D. Others. Reply with A, B, C, or D to continue.”

Text is often casual—every day speak abbreviated—should the police respond in text slang–or more formal language?” This response reminds me of a standardized test. People are used to quick, simple snips of content — does the length of the response work against it?

Nice work Hill Holliday! So, when does the Boston Police Myspace page and Twitter account launch?

See other sources:

• Experience Mobility
• Hill Holliday Blog
• Clubtexting

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