Twitter's uses extend to law enforcement

Mac Daddy · Jun 23, 2009, 06:25 AM

The message, sent out via the Web site Twitter by Boynton Beach, Fla., police recently, led recipients to online surveillance footage of a gunman robbing a gas station.

The message, so far, hasn't helped solve the May stickup, and investigators say it's too soon to know whether Twitter will prove to be an effective crime-fighting tool. But it and other social networking Web sites are increasingly becoming yet another channel for law enforcement agencies, nationwide, to reach out to the public, promote their departments and locate people who may have relevant information or tips.
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Source: Physorg

**Mousey** · Jun 23, 2009, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mac Daddy

The message, sent out via the Web site Twitter by Boynton Beach, Fla., police recently, led recipients to online surveillance footage of a gunman robbing a gas station.

The message, so far, hasn't helped solve the May stickup, and investigators say it's too soon to know whether Twitter will prove to be an effective crime-fighting tool. But it and other social networking Web sites are increasingly becoming yet another channel for law enforcement agencies, nationwide, to reach out to the public, promote their departments and locate people who may have relevant information or tips.
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Source: Physorg

To be perfectly honest i think this is ridiculous, you'll never find your tweet amongst the millions of "I FARTED, LOLZ!" that people post on twitter every day. Why don't they just use radios, it's quicker ad it's on a private frequency so there's no risk of a civilian (or minimal risk) listening in.

Jun 23, 2009, 06:25 AM	#1
Mac Daddy DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 7,950 Rep Power: 64 System Specs	Twitter's uses extend to law enforcement The message, sent out via the Web site Twitter by Boynton Beach, Fla., police recently, led recipients to online surveillance footage of a gunman robbing a gas station. The message, so far, hasn't helped solve the May stickup, and investigators say it's too soon to know whether Twitter will prove to be an effective crime-fighting tool. But it and other social networking Web sites are increasingly becoming yet another channel for law enforcement agencies, nationwide, to reach out to the public, promote their departments and locate people who may have relevant information or tips. _______________ Source: Physorg __________________ "My mom said the only reason men are alive is for lawn care and vehicle maintenance." - Tim Allen