OSCEOLA, Iowa (AP) – Authorities in southern Iowa will begin a program where people with information about underage drinking parties can tip them off about the party with a text message. The “Text-A-Tip” program will use a text-only phone line for tips about underage parties. Officials with the Iowa State Patrol say by texting a message about the time and whereabouts of the party, people can remain anonymous.

The program is sponsored by the patrol, law enforcement agencies and school districts in nine Iowa counties, including Adair, Adams, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold, Taylor, Union and Wayne counties. Authorities say they hope the program will help shut down underage parties and prevent injuries and death. The phone number where tips can be sent by text message will be 641-799-2277.