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They unveiled the "Citizen Observer" system at Merced High School. It includes a text message feature that can alert individual schools or the entire district about potentially dangerous situations.
It also includes a tip line that allows students and other residents to text in tips to the police department.
Police are already using the system, and the Merced Union High School District plans to launch it next year.
"We've had crimes that happened recently where we found out kids were texting about them … communicate in a way that's comfortable for them."
To use the TipLine, just text the word, "comvip" followed by your message to the number "Tip411." Your tip will be sent anonymously to the Merced Police Department.
