Sharing a Video With CalTIP

October 24, 2019
Question: I took a video of what I think is a wildlife crime in progress. I know you have a tip line, but how can I submit the video? (Anonymous)

Answer: With modern phones being capable of taking high definition video and photographs, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeing an increase in the number of CalTIP reports that include video or photographs. You can submit a video or photograph to CalTIP in one of four ways.

First, you can send your tip and video or photograph to CalTIP by SMS text message, by texting “CALTIP”, followed by a space and the message, to 847411 (tip411). You can attach a media file to the SMS text message as you normally would if you were texting with a friend.

You can also use the CalTIP app, which can be downloaded for free via the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store. The app gives you the option to attach a video or photograph before you submit your report.

If you choose to report through the CalTIP website, select “Report a Violation online.” This will take you to an online reporting form where you will have the option of attaching a file, including a video or photograph.

Lastly, you can attach the file to an email and send it to [email protected]. When sending a photograph or video via email, please submit any details about the violation you witnessed, along with the media file. If you are submitting a photo or video related to an investigation in progress, please include the CalTIP reference number.

Any time you make a report with CalTIP, please be prepared to provide as many incident details as you can – time of occurrence, location, vehicles involved (including license plate numbers, when possible), physical description of the suspects, the species targeted and what you believe the violation to be. The more details you provide to our wildlife officers, the faster they can put a stop to any illegal activity.