Facebook: A New Weapon for Police
August 28, 2009
Filed under Our Blog, Policing News
Police officers in Saskatoon are now using the hugely popular Facebook as a means to search for criminals. These criminals brag about their activities on social media sites such as Facebook and MySpace which help Police officers identify the criminals. Believe it or not, Facebook and MySpace are quickly becoming useful starting points for police investigations as it enables police officers to large number of photos and personal information that link people to crimes. What are your thoughts on using online social media to nab criminals? Are there any other online platforms out there in which cops can use to help them look for criminals?
I think social media can play a very important role for police departments. Social media has enhanced the way we communicate, and since communications are integral to any PDs operations, these agencies stand realize many of the potential benefits a social media strategy can offer. Facebook is only one part of the social media puzzle.
Twitter is another simple, yet effective social media tool that some police departments are using. Check out how Boston PD has used Twitter to combat bike thieves. http://mashable.com/2009/07/20/stolen-bikes-boston/
[...] a previous article on how police officers in Saskatoon are using Facebook as a weapon to solve crime, here is a story on how the police officers in Edmonton may be causing a problem by using the [...]
Facebook and other so called social media has turned into just another tool for big brother and the holding companies. This is not much different then tapping your phone and profiling citizens. I do not believe half the stuff people post on the web is truthful or accurate so why is taxpayer money being spent with online witch hunts?
The RCMP should spend more time cleaning house before they waste our money on programs like this.
Oh yes and remember…..tasers don’t kill people……people kill people.