Much like businesses and celebrities, the Medina Police Department has a Facebook fan page.
Angela wrote a message on the police station’s wall, hours later they responded.
“I went on their fan page and asked them directly and i got the right response,” she said. “They were very quick about responding. I was impressed.”
It’s a trend popping up all over the state–local law enforcement putting their face on Facebook.
“It’s successful because it’s on their schedule, so if you don’t feel like looking at Facebook, you don’t have to,” said Jaline Albert of the Akron Police Department.
In less than a year, Akron has garnered more than 3,400 fans. The department is also plugged into Twitter.
Albert said the department often gets asked about laws. However, it has enabled the community to help solve serious crimes.
“We have posted a picture of the robber and asking for information,” she said. “You can clearly see his face. The community may be able to help.”
And indeed, they have helped. Albert said the department has seen more leads arriving through the site. A recent tip led to the arrest of a homicide suspect.
Yet, Albert makes it no secret that the world’s biggest social hub has helped soften the image of the men and women in blue.
“Sometimes they think we’re the bad guys, that we’re always out to get you,” she said. “We just wanted to turn it around and show them the positive side of policing.”
Some departments across the state have not opted to social networking. Officials at the Cleveland Police said the department is not involved with the site.
“At this point, that’s like a little behind the times,” said Cleveland resident Robert Watts. “If John McCain has a Facebook, I think the Cleveland Police could probably use it. Especially, as a way of communicating with young people besides writing them up for tickets.”
The City of Cleveland, however, has a fan page with 65,000 followers.
“Tweaks me out a little bit to see the government stepping into Facebook,” said Bratenahl Resident Mark Licastro. “I guess if it’s all for a good cause. I guess at this point, Facebook is so big. It’s kind of its own beast.”
Well. Social media is a great help in solving crimes. We just have to use it in a good way. Let us be aware also that this is not a joke this we will use in reaching out citizens and police department.