What are the various components of a text message used in the tip submission process to Crime Stoppers?
There are three main parts to a text message. 1) The Short Code – This is the actual number the tip is sent to rather than a phone number. It is CRIMES (274637). This is a vanity code which the public will hopefully find memorable. The public can just select the letters “CRIMES” from their keypads and 274637 is entered. 2) The Keyword – Keywords are always used with Common Short Codes to allow for proper routing. These are used to ensure that the tip is directed to the right area. When a keyword is needed, it is always entered as the first word in the body of the message. A tipster only needs to include the keyword on our SMS tips the very first time they submit a tip. After that, the system is intelligent enough to know where to route all subsequent traffic from that device. 3) The Message Body – contains the keyword initially, and then the actual text of the message.
