VALPARAISO | There is a quick and anonymous way to tell the Valparaiso Police Department about an underage drinking party, a drug deal or other police matter.

The department kicked off its tip411 program Tuesday. People can now send text messages to 847411 (tip411). People just need to make sure the first word of the text message is Valpo -- so the message gets directed to Valparaiso police -- followed by the message itself.

Police will be notified a text message has been sent to them, and they can view it on a website using their in-car computers or hand-held devices. Police do not know from which phone number the message came from, but they can reply via the website if they need to ask a question to the sender.

Police Chief Michael Brickner said this is another way to increase communication between the department and residents.

Mayor Jon Costas, who attended Tuesday's tip411 kickoff, said the texting option should enhance the department's ability to do "community policing" and keep the city safe.

"Texting is a tool people young and old are using," Costas said.

Sgt. Michael Grennes encourages people to enter 847411 as a contact in their cell phones so they can quickly communicate with police via texting anytime the need arises. Grennes believes people who might not be comfortable calling the police department will turn to texting to provide police with the name of a possible suspect in a crime or to report illegal activity.

In an effort to publicize tip411, the police department is putting up posters at schools, the Boys and Girls Club and other locations.

The texting option is expected to be popular with younger people.