News : Text 2 Protect: Residents urged to add contact number to phones

Text 2 Protect offers residents another way to report crimes to local law enforcement authorities.

In the last couple of months we have implemented with the County Sherriff Department a new program called Text 2 Protect. Below is a commercial that has been produced for explaining this new program that will soon be played at the Vinton Palace Theater and any other avenues that we have available. Wanted you to see what has been developed so check out the link below. If you have a way through your connections or organization to get this video out to more people please let me know. We would love to have it placed on websites especially so there is more opportunities for residents to see it.

If you see something that is NOT an emergency, (underage drinking, drug activity, vandalis, etc.) you can now text a tip to the Benton County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Randy Forsyth said some local residents have already used this service to share information with authorities.

Simply text CRIMES (274637) Start your message with the word BENTON. Add this number to your contact list now! This does NOT replace 911.

[VIDEO]