News
LBPD Creates Gang Tip Hotline
Toll free: (866) GANG TIP (non emergency calls)
(March 21, 2002) -- In an effort to develop useful information that may help police stem LB gang activity, LBPD has created a toll free Gang Tip hotline.
A written release indicates that ideally, phone tips would include information regarding unlawful activity involving guns, drugs, robberies, murders, violence and the identification of those individuals involved.
The release says gang enforcement detectives are hopeful the line will also be used by callers who might otherwise be reluctant to call the police due to fear of retaliation or police contact.
The Gang Tip Hotline is: (866) GANG TIP [(866) 426-4847].
The line is toll free and answered by a voice mail recorder. When we called this afternoon, a businesslike message stated:
"You have reached the Long Beach Police Department Gang Tip Line. You do not need to identify yourself. After the tone, please report your tip. Include the location, the date and time the activity takes place as well as a description of the activity. Describe the gang members involved. If you want a detective to call you back, please leave your name and number" [beep]
LBPD's release indicates tips may be left in English, Spanish and Khmer, although this wasn't indicated on the outgoing voice mail message.
Caveat: LBPD says emergency calls should still be made to 911. Other non-emergency gang related calls, including unlawful loitering and drinking in public, should be made to LBPD's non-emergency line at (562) 435-6711.
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