Tasmania crime tips mostly now come via digital portal

Most crime tips in Tasmania now come through a digital reporting portal, according to Tasmania Police and Motorola Solutions. The online channel accounted for 84% of all tips received in 2025.

The figures show how the smartphone-based system has become a major source of information for police since its launch in 2022. In 2025, 35% of Tasmania Police's collective intelligence came directly from the portal, which is accessed through Crime Stoppers Tasmania and allows people to submit information anonymously.

The data also points to a shift in the type of material sent to investigators. The organisations said 24% of all reports now include photos or video uploaded by members of the public, giving officers visual evidence alongside written tip-offs.

Over four years, adoption of the portal has been accompanied by a near doubling of crime tips from the public. The system lets tipsters send material directly from their phones rather than post it elsewhere or rely only on a verbal description.

Digital reporting

Crime Stoppers Tasmania and Tasmania Police presented the portal as a way to improve the flow of information between the public and law enforcement. Because the reporting channel is anonymous, police said it can help build a broader intelligence picture around incidents and emerging patterns.

"Technology that streamlines the flow of intelligence between communities and the police helps to make Tasmania safer and more prosperous for everyone. Our online crime reporting portal has made it quick, easy and safe for community members to share vital information with law enforcement," said David Daniels OAM, Chair, Crime Stoppers Tasmania.

Tasmania Police linked the portal's growing use to the practical value of tips received during investigations. Officers can review images and video submitted by the public through Crime Stoppers Tasmania.

"If you've filmed it, seen it, or received it, report it to Crime Stoppers rather than posting it on social media. You can submit information completely anonymously. Every tip helps build a clearer intelligence picture, enabling Tasmania Police to identify patterns, advance investigations and protect our communities," said Joanne Stolp, Commander, Tasmania Police.

Public attitudes

Motorola Solutions also pointed to broader survey findings on public attitudes to sharing data with emergency services. An independent research study commissioned by the company found that 86% of Australians and New Zealanders are comfortable sharing their precise location data with public safety agencies during emergencies.

The same study found that 58% support the use of artificial intelligence to detect critical keywords such as 'knife' or 'collision' in emergency calls. The findings suggest public acceptance of broader use of digital tools in emergency response and policing.

Emergency services agencies in Australia and New Zealand are assessing newer call-handling systems that combine public inputs with operational processes, according to Motorola Solutions. In that context, the Tasmania figures provide a local example of how digital reporting tools are being used in front-line information gathering.

Con Balaskas, Managing Director, Motorola Solutions Australia and New Zealand, said emergency services technology is moving towards systems that can process information from several sources at once.

"Many emergency services across Australia and New Zealand are currently evaluating next-generation call-handling technologies. Modern systems that integrate public data with operational workflows - and use AI responsibly to highlight critical information - will relieve pressure on call handlers and help to save lives," said Balaskas.

The Tasmania data indicates that digital submissions are no longer a secondary reporting route but a main intake channel for crime information, with almost one in four reports now including photographic or video evidence.