Target 12: reaching out to ‘anonymous’

EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – Last month I wrote a how-to for those considering reaching out to the Target 12 Investigators with a tip. Here’s a key excerpt:

“…one thing is consistent with nearly all our successful stories: I can communicate with the tipster.

It is very rare that one of our investigations is launched by an anonymous letter sent to Target 12 – of which we receive an average of about four a day. The tip has a far better shot at becoming a story if I can call you, email you, or, at worst, set up a regular time in which you can call me.”

In recent weeks we have received several letters from budding tipsters – most likely sparked by a spate of recent investigations.

These folks clearly didn’t read my recent opus (I’m looking at you, “proud employee” and “confidential whistleblower”). There are a handful of tips we are interested in pursuing, but I have no way to inform these people we are working on it. In at least one case, we have an important follow-up question we would like to ask before we move on.

As I said in the column: you don’t have to give us your name. We would just like to let you know we are working on it and we need some time.

We “hope you have the time and fortitude” to reach out to us:

• Tip line: 401-228-1763
• Email: target12@wpri.com
• Mail (if you must): Target 12 Investigators, 25 Catamore Blvd., East Providence, RI, 02914

Tim White ( twhite@wpri.com ) is the Target 12 investigative reporter for WPRI 12 and Fox Providence. Follow him on Twitter: @white_tim