WA police move into social media

by Kate Francis 10 April, 2011

West Australian police have introduced social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter in hope to connect with the community.

Social media will be a way of “reaching out” to the youth and its users, according to Media Liaison Officer, Sergeant Gerard Cassidy.

The W.A. police currently have a Twitter account, a website and are in the process of creating an effective Facebook page.

“We are constantly trying to keep on top of the new developments…technology is getting ahead of us, faster than we can come up with laws and rules,” Mr Cassidy said.

The W.A. police force need for social media sites is “strictly outgoing” and the sites are being used as a source of information for the community rather than keeping tabs on its users.

Other states are following the United Kingdom, which already uses the media sites to post images of fugitives on the run and as a means for issuing warnings to the community.

"W.A. has a resourcing issue when it comes to social media networking.”

There is only a team of three in charge of advancing the social media networks in Western Australia.

Queensland and Tasmania already have Facebook and Twitter sites running with 24-hour teams managing them. 

“I am not speaking on behalf of the Australian government but free speech… is never going away,” Mr Cassidy said.

“Australians would never put up with it.”  

Police make it clear that emergencies must go through either 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Social networks cannot be used to put across vital information.