By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Marlton Sun
Facebook and other social media outlets, such as Twitter, serve as platforms for socialization and sharing personal stories and photos. For the Evesham Police Department, the ability to share and receive information with residents is far-reaching.
The page was started on Feb. 22, 2010, and to date, the department’s Facebook page has 11,308 fans.
“The page was started three years ago after the idea was proposed to Chief Barth,” said Sgt. Joseph Friel. “He went with it, and here we are today.”
For the department, the page allows transparency with residents and open communication.
“The most successful part is the ability to communicate with residents back and forth,” said Friel. “It gives us the ability to have help when it comes to solving crimes, we also have the ability to listen to what residents have to say. It goes both ways.”
Since the page’s inception, the department has been able to close the case on multiple burglaries and other crimes and identify shoplifters, in addition to gaining a lead on an alleged arsonist setting fires in the Kings Grant section of the township.
“We got some tips on [the arson case] which helped to lead us to the suspect,” said Friel. “We catch multiple burglary suspects as well.”
The social media outlet also provides the township with a speedy turnaround time in closing cases.
“Before we had to rely on the media to release the photo or the video of the suspect when they wanted to put it out,” said Friel. “Now, we can post the photo and have someone identify the suspect. It really speeds up the process.”
The department also strives to follow the guideline of the three Rs, real, relevant and responsive when posting information.
According to Lt. Walt Miller, the police department likes to tailor the webpage for relevant responses from residents.
“We don’t leave negative comments on the Facebook page, usually directed at the suspects. We don’t want to create public humiliation,” said Miller. “We do, however, like feedback. We’re able to provide insight to residents they wouldn’t normally have. Their feedback helps to mold the page.”
Residents have voiced their opinion on multiple topics about the township, including traffic congestion, road closures and crimes, according to Miller.
“Even if it’s one voice, we try to listen,” said Miller.
The biggest goal of the page is to remain transparent, a goal the department has been working using Facebook and Twitter pages and the Citizens Police Academy.
“We work for the people,” said Miller. “We want them to be able to provide feedback.”
Even though the page’s goal is to share and remain connected, the department never wants to over stimulate residents with information.
“We don’t want to get to the point where people just don’t read what is being posted anymore. We want to remain direct and gear it toward what people are looking for,” said Miller.
According to Friel, there isn’t a long period of time where a tip doesn’t come into the department from Facebook, Twitter or the anonymous text messaging tip service.
“People may not be comfortable enough to call with a tip,” said Miller. “With this system, we have a more direct chance of getting that information.”
The social media pages are a two-way street for the department and residents.
“I strongly suggest people signup and receive information. We want to provide information as well as receive it,” said Miller.
To “like” the Evesham Township Police Department’s Facebook page, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Evesham-Township-Police-NJ/319370858258?fref=ts. To follow the department on Twitter, visit twitter.com/EveshamPD.
