By JONATHON HOWARD
WARWICK police are moving towards the future of crime prevention by developing new ways of interacting with residents online.
As the traditional use of Neighbourhood Watch Queensland members continues to decline, the increase in social media and online communication is taking over.
According to acting crime prevention co-ordinator, Acting Senior Constable Wendy Tamblyn, social media and the building of online communities will play an important role towards the future of policing.
However, Act Sen Const Tamblyn said Facebook was not the only affective social media platform.
“Warwick police looked at the use of Facebook, an area that has been used by the QPS Facebook page,” she said.
“However, because Facebook is difficult to mediate – as the page is owned by Facebook – Warwick police opted to develop a community “myblog” page.”
She said the Warwick Police MyBlog, which is expected to go live in the coming weeks, will offer residents a central point to communicate concerns, raise crime issues, provide anonymous tips and open discussions on crime.
Warwick police will also host a community crime forum in June – with a venue and specific date yet to be announced.
The forum will call on residents to discuss crime issues in their neighbourhoods and develop communication channels that reinforce the use of the Warwick Police MyBlog.
“Warwick police are aiming to work with the community online to make it a safer and more supportive and to encourage members to become actively involved with us to help prevent and reduce crime,” she said.
Act Sen Const Tamblyn was also calling on residents to complete a suggestion form, which will help determine the agenda and key topics raised during the forum.
The forms can be found and completed at Warwick Police Station.
