Social media tools have changed the landscape of our world and the way we share information. From Facebook
to Twitter to YouTube, digital communication vehicles have overtaken
more primitive forms of messaging, such as a letter destined for the
post office, and replaced them with a few keystrokes on a PC or
smartphone keyboard. While it has its critics and obvious drawbacks,
social media have presented considerable benefits to modern society. And
their powers have not gone unnoticed by the world of law and criminal
justice.
A December 2010 article in The New York Times discussed how police in Seattle announced they were planning to use Twitter to help recover stolen vehicles. Vehicle thefts have been on the rise in the city, now up to 10 per day. What the Seattle PD plans to do is to have employees at its 911 center tweet the color, year, make, model, body style and plate number of all stolen cars that are reported. Twitter followers who spot the missing vehicles are encouraged to call 911.
"I believe this program will integrate seamlessly into our strategy to prevent and reduce auto theft in Seattle," said Police Chief John Diaz. "It will also serve to increase public awareness on the subject."
Police in other communities have also been using social media outlets to help curb crime. In early December 2010 the Utica Police Department in New York state launched its first Facebook account. Through postings on the site, the Department was able to find a man trapped in an elevator during an apartment fire. In Ohio, police posted the photo of a wanted criminal on Facebook and, in five days, the suspect was nabbed. And two years ago, a stolen car was recovered in Alberta, Canada, thanks to an online forum.
Considering a law or criminal justice degree program? Social media may be on the syllabus
For potential students interested in a law and criminal justice degree program, social media may become a part of the crime-fighting curriculum. In fact, the International Association of Chiefs of Police now hosts a seminar to teach police departments across the country to utilize new media outlets and methods such as texting, blogging, Facebook and Twitter.
In a career that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is expected to grow 10 percent from 2008 to 2018, becoming more tech-savvy seems to be a natural progression. Whether students will be pursuing a law and criminal justice degree program in a traditional classroom-based setting or via online education, effectively using social media will most likely become a part of the coursework.
In addition to Facebook posts and Twitter tweets, law enforcement personnel are incorporating other social media strategies to enhance their efforts:
A December 2010 article in The New York Times discussed how police in Seattle announced they were planning to use Twitter to help recover stolen vehicles. Vehicle thefts have been on the rise in the city, now up to 10 per day. What the Seattle PD plans to do is to have employees at its 911 center tweet the color, year, make, model, body style and plate number of all stolen cars that are reported. Twitter followers who spot the missing vehicles are encouraged to call 911.
"I believe this program will integrate seamlessly into our strategy to prevent and reduce auto theft in Seattle," said Police Chief John Diaz. "It will also serve to increase public awareness on the subject."
Police in other communities have also been using social media outlets to help curb crime. In early December 2010 the Utica Police Department in New York state launched its first Facebook account. Through postings on the site, the Department was able to find a man trapped in an elevator during an apartment fire. In Ohio, police posted the photo of a wanted criminal on Facebook and, in five days, the suspect was nabbed. And two years ago, a stolen car was recovered in Alberta, Canada, thanks to an online forum.
Considering a law or criminal justice degree program? Social media may be on the syllabus
For potential students interested in a law and criminal justice degree program, social media may become a part of the crime-fighting curriculum. In fact, the International Association of Chiefs of Police now hosts a seminar to teach police departments across the country to utilize new media outlets and methods such as texting, blogging, Facebook and Twitter.
In a career that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is expected to grow 10 percent from 2008 to 2018, becoming more tech-savvy seems to be a natural progression. Whether students will be pursuing a law and criminal justice degree program in a traditional classroom-based setting or via online education, effectively using social media will most likely become a part of the coursework.
In addition to Facebook posts and Twitter tweets, law enforcement personnel are incorporating other social media strategies to enhance their efforts:
- Blogs. Police blotters have long been a staple in community newspapers, but now citizens and journalists no longer need to wait for the information. Police officers are able to share real-time information via blog posts, and enhance the function of the blotter technique.
- "Friending" felons. Police in some departments have gone undercover to pose as gang members to "friend" or follow known members on Facebook or Twitter. This can provide insight into planned illegal activities as well as code words and slang that can indicate if and when a crime is being planned.
- E-wanted posters. Images of wanted criminals can now be shared instantaneously by police departments with fans and followers of their Facebook, Twitter and YouTube sites. And it goes beyond the mug shot: Footage from a convenience store robbery can be immediately catapulted through cyberspace and reach countless people. No more is there a need to wait until the 6 o'clock news to be brought up to speed about the happenings of the day, a sure benefit to police.
- Anonymity. Many police departments are working on software that will allow citizens to submit anonymous tips via "text tip systems." The hope is that more young people will be encouraged to share information without fear of retaliation or retribution.
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