Christchurch Police have launched a Facebook page to engage local residents in preventing crime and finding offenders.
The page, which went live this afternoon, will include a range of police information and crime prevention advice, as well as requests for information about crimes and wanted offenders.
Canterbury Police District Commander, Superintendent Gary Knowles, says it makes sense for Police to have a presence on social media.
"We know a huge segment of the population is using social media on a regular basis to access information and services, whether on computers or cellphones, and we need to be able to connect with that audience.
"Facebook is a great way to engage with people and provide information, but also to get the public involved in helping us fight crime.
"We've seen Facebook used successfully by police in other areas to help identify and apprehend offenders and we're expecting similar results here."
Superintendent Knowles says Police will regularly post photographs of offenders wanted on warrants to arrest, as well as images from security cameras that may help identify offenders.
"But the page is not just about identifying criminals. We also want to give people access to information about police services, about things we're doing in the community, crime prevention advice and other assistance."
Experience from the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes also showed the value of developing new ways of providing timely information to the community, he says.
The page is not intended for reporting crime, Superintendent Knowles says. People should still call 111 to report crime, emergencies and suspicious activity.
Police say they will monitor the success of the page over the coming months, and consider whether to add further pages in other parts of the Canterbury district.
The Christchurch Police Facebook page can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/ChristchurchPolice
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For more information:
Stephen Hill, Communications Manager, Canterbury Police District
03 3637815 / 027 4363701