Durham Public Schools students can now use their mobile phones to provide anonymous tips to school safety administrators.

The service, called Text-A-Tip, allows students to send anonymous tips online, via smartphone, or by sending a text message to “CRIMES” (274637) with the keyword DPSTIP from any mobile phone.

“In a school setting, it’s often imperative that information be conveyed to authorities quickly,” Superintendent Eric Becoats said. “And with Text-A-Tip, students will know that it is safe for them to do the right thing without ever disclosing their identity.”

Students should use Text-A-Tip to report any safety-related information, including bullying, suicide prevention, sexting, drug use or information about crimes that are being planned in the community or in schools.

“It is important to note that Text-A-Tip is simply another great way to keep everyone safe. It did not come about as a result of any particular incidents,” said Tina Ingram, director of security. “In fact, with Text-A-Tip, students can take an active role in making their schools and communities safer.”

Currently used by over 800 schools and law enforcement agencies throughout the country, Text-A-Tip, which is provided by CrimeReports, allows text message providers to remain anonymous by encrypting the text messages, assigning them a unique ID, and routing them through secure servers, protecting the personal details of the information provider.