The Alaska Department of Public Safety announced last week the launch of a new app that will allow Alaskans to anonymously report “crime tips” from their area.

The app, called AKtips, can be downloaded for free on the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store and can also be accessed online at dps.alaska.gov/tips. People who don’t have a smartphone can also send anonymous tips via text message by texting “AKTIP” to 847411.

The new program also allows law enforcement to respond to tips received anonymously, according to the release, which described the app as a way to increase DPS’s “crime-fighting arsenal.”

“We believe our new AKtips app and website will help greatly enhance our ability to deliver on our mission by engaging Alaskans to help report crime tips and information securely to law enforcement,” DPS Commissioner James Cockrell is quoted as saying in the release.

The form available on the DPS website has boxes for “what/subject,” “where/location” and “details/description” that must be completed. Users also have the option to upload files.

“If you see something suspicious in your community or have specific information about a crime that has occurred in your area, please submit any information, photos, or videos in the form below,” the form says.

DPS Public Information Officer Austin McDaniel said Monday that since the app was launched on July 29, Alaska State Troopers have already received 45 messages through the program.

More information on the app can be found on the DPS website at dps.alaska.gov/AST/tips.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.