How to Message a Reporter
Quick Reference
The Message Reporter feature in IntegrityCounts allows case managers to communicate directly with the person who filed a report, even if they chose to remain anonymous. All messages are exchanged through the secure platform, so no personal contact information is revealed.
Messages are visible only to case managers assigned to the case. The reporter sees your messages when they log back in to check their case status.
How to Send a Message to a Reporter
Step 1: Open the Case
From the Case Manager Dashboard, click on the case you want to respond to.
Step 2: Navigate to the Message Reporter Tab
Once inside the case, click the Message Reporter tab in the left sidebar. This opens the secure messaging interface.
Step 3: Compose Your Message
Type your message in the text box. You can use the formatting toolbar to add bold, italic, bullet points, or numbered lists. You can also attach files using the attachment icon if you need to share documents with the reporter.
Step 4: Send the Message
Click Send to deliver the message. Your message appears in the conversation thread with a timestamp.
What the Reporter Sees
When a reporter logs back in to IntegrityCounts using their case number and password, they will see your message in their case view. They can reply directly from there, and their response will appear in your Message Reporter tab.
Reporters also receive a notification (if they provided an email address) letting them know a new message is available. Anonymous reporters will only see the message when they log back in.
Internal Messages vs. Reporter Messages
It is important to understand the difference between these two messaging features:
| Message Reporter | Internal Messages |
|---|---|
| Visible to the reporter when they log in | Visible only to case managers and investigators |
| Used for follow-up questions, acknowledgements, and updates | Used for confidential notes, investigation updates, and team coordination |
| Think of it as talking to the reporter | Think of it as talking about the case internally |
For more on internal messages, see How to Send Internal Messages.
Best Practices
When messaging reporters, keep the following in mind:
- Acknowledge promptly. Even a brief message like "Thank you for your report. We are reviewing it" builds trust in the program.
- Ask specific follow-up questions. If you need more details, be clear about what information would help the investigation.
- Do not reveal identifying information. If the reporter is anonymous, avoid including details that could reveal the identity of suspects or witnesses in a way that narrows down who filed the report.
- Use Internal Messages for case notes. Anything the reporter should not see belongs in Internal Messages, not in Message Reporter.
Key Takeaways
Message Reporter is your direct, secure communication channel with the person who filed a report. All exchanges happen within the platform, preserving anonymity. Use Internal Messages for confidential team discussions about the case.
For a full overview of all case management features, see the Case Manager Dashboard Guide.