Submit Anonymous Tips

You can now submit anonymous tips to the Somerville Police Department.

If you see something suspicious in our community or have specific information about a crime that has occurred in the area, please submit any information, photos, or videos using the instructions below.

Tips will be reviewed by our agency personnel, who may respond to ask for more details and continue the anonymous conversation with you. Tips are entirely anonymous, and your contact information is not transmitted to our agency.

Please do not use this form to report emergencies or requests that require immediate law enforcement response. In an emergency, always call 911. If you have a non-emergency request for agency assistance, please contact us at 617-625-1600.

Option 1 – Submit a Tip Via Text Message

To send an anonymous tip via text message to the Somerville Police Department, text the keyword 617SPD and your tip to 847411.

Option 2 – Download the Somerville Police Department Mobile App

Click the button below to download for free the Somerville Police Department app for iOS or Android and submit anonymous tips to our agency from your mobile device. The app will also allow you to view public safety alerts published by our agency.

Option 3 – Use the Online Form

Use the form below to submit your anonymous tip online. After submitting a tip using the web service, you will be assigned a six-digit code with numbers and letters. That is your anonymous ID to log back into the system.

What is a Helpful Tip?

Not all ‘tips’ are helpful. To ensure that you are contributing useful information, be sure to include as much information as you can that answers the questions: Who, What, When, Where, and How you know. See examples of helpful tips below:

Not in-progress emergencies

Not helpful: "I need help now!"

Helpful: "I’ve seen one of your 'wanted' suspects frequenting the 123 Store this week."

Suspicious activity

Not Helpful: "I’m suspicious of my neighbor."

Helpful: "There have been a lot of strange cars and people at 1234 Any Street. Many people go in and come out of the house at all hours of the day and night and they are very noisy at night."