Pinterest Used To Catch Criminals
A local newspaper based in Pennsylvania has started using Pinterest as a site to post photos of criminals wanted by the police. This has incredibly lead to a 57% increase in arrests.
The Mercury newspaper is based in Pottstown, Pennsylvania and also covers neighbouring towns. They have posted more than 75 pictures on the photo-sharing site of people who are wanted by the police.
Charges could relate to anything from theft and fraud to assault and the police received tips almost immediately from the public once the photos had been posted.
A police officer told the local radio station that: “we’ve actually seen a 57% increase in our warrant services, and we actually got more people based on our tips and our calls.”
"For us it's like, 'Yes,' because it's very enjoyable in police work when the public helps you."
It’s been said that some people even spotted pictures of themselves on Pinterest and handed themselves in to authorities, as well as removing themselves from the site. The idea was constructed by a crime reporter at The Mercury who hoped that the social photo sharing platform could help spread awareness about crime in the area.
The newspaper was already active on Pinterest and uses 35 other boards in addition to the Wanted page. Other boards feature pictures from local proms and graduations of students, as well as landmarks for the area.
Do you think more social media platforms should be used to help the police?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or via Twitter.
Daniel Barr
Follow us @SocialMediaF & @DanielAtSMF
www.socialmediafrontiers.com
Pinterest Used To Catch Criminals
Reviewed by Unknown
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Monday, December 10, 2012
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Reviewed by Unknown
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Monday, December 10, 2012
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Unknown
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