Crimestoppers: Fighting Crime With Social Media
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We’re taking action against crime tonight — social media is now one of the biggest tools for law enforcement to fight crime. Tonight, Crimestoppers shows us just how useful it’s been for them. As you scroll through your Facebook timeline, you may notice there’s no shortage of posts from Central Alabama Crimestoppers. That’s because thanks to the online tool officers are getting more tips than ever before. You post on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the list goes on. You can post through a computer or on your smart phone. But whatever you post leaves an imprint on the internet for law enforcement to use. “That’s good for us. Bad for other things but it’s good for law enforcement and Crimestoppers because we use that information,” Said Tony Garrett, executive director of Crimestoppers. It’s a tool Garrett says he now uses for all of his cases. “Every other tip that comes in is somewhere social media related in some form or fashion,” Said Garrett. Take Darlene Ship, who is facing felony charges of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and Theft of Property by Deception — she was allegedly forging checks. “The same day we put it on, we started getting numerous telephone calls and email responses saying who the person was,” Said Garrett. After Crimestoppers posted Ship’s photo on Facebook last week, she was arrested three days later. But just as law enforcement can get tips on their pages, they can also search for all the clues you leave. “They’re going to know where I’ve been,” Said Wetumpka resident, Brittany Moody. “Yeah definitely. They can look at clues in the background of the picture to find out where you’re at,” Said another Wetumpka resident, Carlton Jenkins. “Sometimes the information that we get, it clarifies the information that investigators already have,” Said Garrett. So while it may seem like big brother is watching, Garrett says it’s all to get criminals off the street under their fingertips. “Be careful what you post, because they’re watching!” Said Montgomery resident Jamar Parks. Crimestoppers’ biggest following is on Facebook. They have a Twitter account as well, although Garrett says they’re still trying to figure out how to use it to help fight crime. They do not have an Instagram account, although it doesn’t mean they’re not looking for clues on it. If you have a tip, Call Crimestoppers at 215 STOP.
