BOISE -- For local law enforcement, catching criminals in the digital age comes with a whole new set of challenges.
"Law enforcement isn't getting easier," said Boise Police Chief Bill Bones. "The crimes are more complicated with more technology out there. We're becoming a larger community and we can't do it alone."
But now, Crime Stoppers, a tip line that started in 1981, is hoping that rolling out new technology will help police to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
"This is the newest, latest and greatest stuff and we decided to roll with it," said Ted Arnold, the Crime Stoppers of Southwest Idaho program coordinator.
The improvements include a free mobile app, called P3 Tips, that allows the public to send in information with the click of a button.
"Getting that app out and having people have that on their phone means they can communicate, not only verbally, but they can send pictures, video and still do that completely anonymously," said Bones.
The app is part of a push for a bigger digital presence for Crime Stoppers that also includes major improvements to its website.
"[The website has] also got a new thing called 'can you identify,'" said Arnold. "We put a picture and the brief description on the website. People can look at that and go, 'ah, I know that guy.'"
The organization has no plans to do away with its tip line. People can still call 343-COPS with information anytime.
"We need their help every day to make sure the bad guy goes to jail and the crime gets solved," said Ada County Sheriff Stephen Bartlett.
