ELKHART, Ind. -- Along with using social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, the Elkhart Sheriff's Department is taking advantage of technology to help solve crimes. With the new program, you can anonymously text pictures and tips to the department.



As sites like Facebook and Twitter become more and more prevalent, police departments have turned to these social media websites to solve crimes and alert the public.



"The biggest part of the puzzle is the people because the people have the information," said Captain James Bradberry of the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department.



In an age where people text more than they talk, Captain Bradberry says the key is keeping up with the times.



"Just one more way to reach somebody and get that one piece of information that might solve a crime," said Bradberry.



Now the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department is utilizing a new alert system, called Tip 411. You can sign up on their website.



Then you will get texts and emails from the sheriff's department sent directly to your smart phone.



And you can anonymously send pictures and tips to police.



"We want people to be able to feed information to us and vice versa. They can say, 'Hey I just saw this crime. Here's a plate number,'" said Bradberry.



This new alert system and social media are not meant to take place of 9-1-1. In an emergency you should still call 9-1-1.

Click here to sign up for the alerts.