Thanks to the new APD11 Txt-a-Tip program, customers can now text message the Amtrak Police Department’s National Communications Center straight from their cell phones when they travel.

The new system is quick and easy. Simply report suspected criminal or suspicious activity by sending a text to APD11 from a smartphone or to 27311 from a standard cell phone, and an officer will respond.

“People should trust their gut, follow their instincts, and report anything that just doesn’t seem right,” says Amtrak Police Chief Polly Hanson. “It’s our job as the Amtrak Police Department to check out anything that’s reported and the goal of APD11 is to make that even easier for everyone to do.”

Once customers send a message, they’ll receive a confirmation of receipt. Next an Amtrak Police Communications Officer will contact the customer directly via text message to learn more about the situation and determine the appropriate action.

“Our passengers and frontline employees provide an extra line of defense by being an additional set of eyes and ears,” Hanson says.

Customers are encouraged to tag all of their luggage when traveling on Amtrak and to keep valuables with them at all times during their journey.