NEWS DPS unveils text messaging to report a crime

Students now can send a text message to the U-M Department of Public Safety to report a crime in progress. Send a text message to 377911 (or DPS911 on a traditional cellphone keypad) to reach the University Police.

"We're pleased to be able to utilize newer technology methods that will make reporting crime easier, especially for our students," said DPS Executive Director Ken Magee. "Hopefully we can receive more reports of crimes in progress which increases our chances apprehension. Ultimately we hope crime will be reduced."

The preferred method to report a crime to DPS continues to be a telephone call (734/763-1131). But on occasions when people on campus can't make a telephone call, they can send a text message. It is not intended to be used to report an incident that occurred the previous day or week.

"Since the text messages need to be short, we're hopeful our community members only will use the system for crimes or emergencies in progress," Magee said. "Calling our DPS Communications Center still is the preferred method to report anything, especially a lost or stolen belonging or ask about one of our services."

Text messages to DPS should indicate the type of crime being reported, the time and location of the incident, and any information about potential suspects. Text messages regarding a medical or other kind of emergency should include the type of emergency and the specific location, so the communications officer knows which emergency responders to send to an exact location. Standard text messaging rates will apply.

The addition of inbound text messaging was the result of a suggestion to DPS. "Last year, Timothy Bekkers, an undergraduate student, made the suggestion to me while I was addressing the Michigan Student Assembly that we should provide text messaging capability for people attending football games to report disorderly people or other problems in the stands," Magee said. "I'm pleased that his suggestion has become a reality and I credit the student body for working with the police."

updated on Oct 22 2009 10:50

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