The Mason Police Department has begun using the popular social media site, Facebook, as a way to identify and find alleged criminals. Most of those pictured on the website have been identified within an hour, according to Patrolman Gabriel Starcher. Pictured is a suspect that was shown recently.
MASON, W.Va. — Social media has become a daily part of life for many people, and the Mason Police Department is using that to their advantage.
Patrolman Gabriel Starcher recently began posting photos on the popular website “Facebook” of suspected criminals who were caught on camera, in an effort to get identification or an address.
“Social media is an important part of our lives now,” Starcher said. “We have to catch up with the times.”
So far, about 10 suspects have been posted on Facebook. According to Starcher, the posts have been very successful.
“Most have been identified within an hour,” Starcher said. “Normally, we get five to 10 phone calls.”
The patrolman said of the photos posted, most have been alleged shoplifters from Walmart in Mason, who were caught on the store’s camera. Others include suspects using stolen credit cards or people from other areas who are wanted on outstanding warrants.
Starcher said most law enforcement agencies have Facebook pages, including the Mason County Sheriff’s Department, Mason Deputies, West Virginia State Police, Point Pleasant Police Department, as well as nearby Ohio agencies. Not all of the departments use the sites to help apprehend alleged criminals, however.
“Since Facebook has so many other departments on it, we can share a post and expand our range…
