Christchurch Police launch Facebook page"

Christchurch Police have launched a Facebook page to engage local residents
in preventing crime and finding offenders.

The page, which went live this afternoon, will include a range of police
information and crime prevention advice, as well as requests for information
about crimes and wanted offenders.

Canterbury Police District Commander, Superintendent Gary Knowles, says it
makes sense for Police to have a presence on social media.

"We know a huge segment of the population is using social media on a regular
basis to access information and services, whether on computers or cellphones,
and we need to be able to connect with that audience.

"Facebook is a great way to engage with people and provide information, but
also to get the public involved in helping us fight crime.

"We've seen Facebook used successfully by police in other areas to help
identify and apprehend offenders and we're expecting similar results here."

Superintendent Knowles says Police will regularly post photographs of
offenders wanted on warrants to arrest, as well as images from security
cameras that may help identify offenders.

"But the page is not just about identifying criminals. We also want to give
people access to information about police services, about things we're doing
in the community, crime prevention advice and other assistance."

Experience from the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes also showed the
value of developing new ways of providing timely information to the
community, he says.

The page is not intended for reporting crime, Superintendent Knowles says.
People should still call 111 to report crime, emergencies and suspicious
activity. 

Police say they will monitor the success of the page over the coming months,
and consider whether to add further pages in other parts of the Canterbury
district.

The Christchurch Police Facebook page can be found at:
http://www.facebook.com/ChristchurchPolice