AFOSI provides anonymous crime-reporting tools

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  An Air Force Office of Special Investigations anonymous Tip Line makes it easier for employees to notify law enforcement of suspicious or illegal activities.

There are three ways for individuals to report tips to AFOSI: through the internet, text message and by using a mobile smart phone application called, "TipSubmit Mobile."

"The AFOSI Tip Line provides service members and civilians a safe, discreet and anonymous option to report criminal information, counterintelligence indicators or force protection concerns," said Special Agent Elisa Park, AFOSI Detachment 102. "We encourage tips on all types of suspected criminal activity, such as fraud, theft, drug use, rape, espionage and more."

AFOSI recommends any of the following methods to send a tip:

1. Go to the website: https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=1111
2. Text "AFOSI" plus your tip information to 274637 (CRIMES). Texting may not be available in some overseas locations.
3. Download the "TipSubmit Mobile" application from your provider's marketplace. Select "Federal/Military" and then "Air Force Office of Special Investigations." To learn more click here.

Tipsters will never be asked to provide their name or other personally identifiable information.

According to AFOSI, when a tip is submitted online, the form is sent using state-of-the-art software through a Secure Socket Connection.

"Tips submitted through the web are encrypted, confidential, anonymous and immediately and securely transferred directly to AFOSI agents," said Special Agent Nicole Boucher, AFOSI Detachment 102.

A unique feature of the online and smart phone application reporting is that tipsters are also able to send photographs with their tip. Agents say this will help them gather more information without compromising the tipster's anonymity.

AFOSI said that for those who submit a tip, be certain it's factual.

"We encourage employees to use the Tip Line as a means to communicate with law enforcement responsibly. Making a false report to law enforcement is a serious offense and may be punishable by law," said Park. 

She went on to say that submitting tips for a training scenario is also not appropriate.

All tips received are taken seriously and followed up by AFOSI agents. Once a tip is submitted, a unique tip number is provided to the tipster. This unique number can be used by the tipster to provide more information. It can also be used to establish an anonymous two-way communication between the tipster and AFOSI.

"That unique tip number should never be shared with anyone," said Park.

The Hanscom-based AFOSI detachment commander stressed the importance of using the Tip Line. "The Tip Line is an easily accessible avenue for individuals to deliver critical information to OSI," said Catherine Tobin, AFOSI Detachment 102 commander. "If you see something, say something. We encourage anyone to report suspicious activity as soon as they are safely able to."

AFOSI also stressed that in light of ISIS and its affiliates' targeting Defense Department personnel in the United States and abroad, it is especially important for anyone who suspects credible threats or suspicious activity to report to AFOSI as soon as possible or by calling the OSI Eagle Eyes Hotline at 781-225-3937.

For more information, click here or contact the Hanscom AFOSI Detachment at 781-225-5861.