Other than officers being in the right place at the right time, most crimes that come to the attention of local law enforcement come from citizens who witness a crime or something suspicious and call the police

Question

Often neighbors see suspicious activity in the neighborhood and want to notify police, but are afraid of retaliation. How can police agencies encourage citizens to report suspicious activity such as drug sales, and assure the citizen remains anonymous?

Answer 1

Most agencies have a web site. These web sites generally attempt to answer all questions a citizen might have, or at least give a source where the information can be obtained. One example is the Mesa Police Department in Arizona, which has a page linked to their web site titled "What Can I Do About Drugs In My Neighborhood? Here is the provided information taken from: http://www.mesaaz.gov/police/Drugs/DrugsInTheNeighborhood.aspx
"The Mesa Police Department provides several ways a citizen can use to report narcotic-related activity anonymously. However, it is generally preferred that the identity of the person providing the information be given. This will assist officers if arrests are made and testimony in court is required. If a citizen requests anonymity for fear of retaliation or any other reason, officers will conduct their investigation without the identity of the complainant.
A citizen who has a friend or relative they suspect is engaged in narcotic-related activity may also use these reporting options to provide us with any pertinent information. It is not necessary for the investigating officer to know the identity of the complainant. If the identity of the complainant is divulged to the investigating officer, at the request of the complainant, this information will be kept confidential.
If you wish to send information anonymously regarding drug activity within the City of Mesa, information can be reported online, by text message or by using a smart phone ap