WPD "likes" using social media to fight crime

May 13, 2011|By Brian Heap | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — If you "like" the job Wichita Police are doing, let them know about it by following the department's Facebook page.

For about two months, police have been pounding the computer keyboard with Facebook posts and Twitter messages to tell citizens about everything from specific crimes in their neighborhoods, to timely traffic alerts.

"If detectives or officers have some information on a case say like a suspect's photo or surveillance video or something like that, we can put that out and ask for information," said Officer Jerod Metcalf, the face behind WPD's social media effort.

The police department has more than 3,100 followers to its Facebook page. This month, its posts have been seen by more than 393,000 users.

"What we saw really surprised us, shocked us actually," said spokesman Lt. Doug Nolte. He added the commitment to social media has help police reach and interact with people in ways they never thought possible.

From the "Wanted Person of the Day" to images of recently stolen cars that could be spotted by followers, Wichita police are using Facebook help solve and prevent crimes.

Something as simple as a "tweet" from Metcalf reminding people to close their garage doors before bed, can make a difference, police said.

In late April, a woman was going door to door impersonating a volunteer for the American Cancer Society and illegally collecting money. A Facebook warning posted by a citizen was picked up by WPD and shared with all of its followers. Days later, another alert citizen spotted the woman and police made an arrest.

"That's the kind of stuff that we want to be able to get out to the public," said Metcalf. "People might have seen something they didn't think about at the time, but come to find out a crime had occurred and it might be relevant information."

Police recognize not every citizen is a "fan" of social media. Nolte said WPD will continue connecting with citizens in the old fashioned way too.

"If you don't want to use social media, you don't have to. But it's there if you want to use it. And what we're seeing is people want to use it," he said.

|

|

|