Iowa Department of Public Safety
Larry L. Noble, Commissioner
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Colonel Patrick J. Hoye, Chief

Southern Iowa Group Launches “Text-A-Tip” Program on Underage Drinking

Osceola, IOWA --- A coalition of community leaders and public service agencies are setting up a pilot program to address underage drinking.  As part of the project, a text-only phone line for tips concerning underage parties is being established for those wishing to text a tip.  The group’s mission is to provide an accessible, easy to use, point of contact for information regarding the time, date and location of juvenile alcohol gatherings, in an attempt to shut down these gatherings and prevent injury and/or death.  Students and parents can report information regarding underage drinking by simply sending an anonymous text message.

“Text-A-Tip” on underage drinking to:  641-799-2277

“Text-A-Tip” is a text-only phone line through which messages can be submitted to law enforcement.  Any person with knowledge on an underage drinking party is asked to text this information to 641-799-2277.  Tipsters should include the location, date and time of the party.  Once a tip is received, the information will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for review and action.

Using text messaging, the reporting person will remain anonymous.  Youth can send information about parties to area law enforcement, without their peers’ knowledge or fear of retribution.

Supporting agencies of the “Text-A-Tip” program include the Iowa State Patrol, Juvenile Court Services, and law enforcement and school districts in nine south central Iowa counties (Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold, Taylor, Union and Wayne).  Additional funding for the Text-A-Tip program has been provided by the Enforcement of Underage Drinking Laws (EUDL) grant program through the Iowa Department of Human Rights.

For additional information please contact:
Lieutenant Ken Clary #463
District #2 Commander / Osceola
Iowa State Patrol
641-342-2108
clary@dps.state.ia.us

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