RTCI Police has unveiled a new tool in the fight against crime.
Officers are turning to social media networks in a bid to catch criminals and engage with local residents.
The police have set up Facebook and Twitter accounts and have appointed a specialist social media officer, PC Kevin Clarke.
PC Clarke, who has just returned from an intensive training course and conference in Canada, said the initiative could save lives.
He explained: “This is a major step forward for the RTCI Police and one we are very excited about. The power of social media is immense, with millions using it every minute of the day.
“Facebook and Twitter not only helps us to communicate instantly with local residents, but it also assists in solving crimes and tracking down criminals.
“It can be used in so many ways and its value in police terms has been proven time and time again.
“Say for instance a young child goes missing. Within minutes we can issue a photograph via social media and instantly we have an army of people on the lookout for that child.
“Social media, coupled with the ongoing support of the Press and the co-operation of the general public, is a huge asset and it can ultimately save people’s lives.”
He added: “Law agencies all over the world are achieving successes with social media tools in areas and we are delighted to be at the forefront of this technology here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Supporting the initiative is communications giant, LIME.
The company has donated two Galaxy tablet computers to the RTCI Police to enable officers to update information to social media sites from crime scenes and other locations.
LIME’s Delleriece Hall said: “Here at LIME we put the community first and we fully support this latest police initiative. Social media is hugely popular and certainly the way forward.
“We endorse anything that improves the quality and safety of people’s lives here in the TCI and we are delighted to assist by donating two tablet computers to the force.”
Meanwhile PC Clarke, who is responsible for implementing the force’s social marketing presence, today urged people to follow the RTCI Police online.
“It’s so easy”, he added. “Facebook users just need to like our page while Twitter users simple have to follow us.
“It’s a great service with traffic updates, crime prevention tips and all sorts of other useful information available.
“But it’s a two-way process and therefore we are absolutely dependent on comments, feedback, information and suggestions from the public.”
You can follow the RTCI Police at www.facebook.com/RTCIPF and on Twitter @royaltcipolice.
ENDS
