Austin police have launched its Tip411 anonymous tip app for iPhones and android phones.

Tip411 allows residents to anonymously give tips and other information to police, either through text messages or encrypted phone calls.

Those encrypted messages can’t be traced back to the sender by police, as Tip411 is a third-party entity acting as the messenger.

“The key to this is people are totally anonymous when these tips come in,” Austin Police Chief Brian Krueger said.

In addition, residents who subscribe to the app will get crime information and alerts from police.

Residents can search for the app using the keyword AustinPD through the Apple App Store or Google Play, depending on their phone.

Tips can also be sent by text at 847-411 and entering AustinPD as the keyword before texting. Residents can also send tips through the city of Austin’s website.

“We can do a better job when the citizens are involved,” Krueger said.

Krueger said while the Tip411 app will be handy for residents to report information on suspicious activity, potential drug-related crimes and cold cases, the app isn’t a substitute for 911. He urged people to continue calling police directly in an emergency situation.