SPPD issues request for public to skip Facebook and report crime directly

July 24, 2015
Santa Paula News

There’s probably nothing police like more than reports of crime in progress but they would prefer that such information not come via social media such as Facebook. And, for good measure, police are also asking that people think twice about what they post for all to see when it comes to criminal activity and investigations.

The Santa Paula Police Department issued a request to its 5,163 followers this week noting, “We appreciate everyone who sends us Facebook messages about incidents as they are happening. Please understand we do not have staffing to monitor our Facebook messages. If you have an incident requiring a law enforcement response please call SPPD Dispatch at (805) 525-4474 or if it is an emergency call 911. Please understand you will not get a law enforcement response by sending a Facebook message. Thank you...”

SPPD Sgt. Ken Clark said the request was prompted by some recent events that pointed to a growing reliance on Facebook.

“There has been several people that just recently started reporting ongoing thefts, suspicious vehicles,” and other information by posting or sending a private message on the SPPD Facebook page, reports that are appreciated but cannot be acted on in a timely manner.

“If someone does not read the post or message for three or four hours or even until the next day,” said Clark, “we’re not able to solve that problem. People still need to call the regular Dispatch number or, if it’s an emergency, call 911,” to ensure a timely response by an officer.

A vast majority of people with Facebook accounts use their real name so Clark said the identity of those contacting the police via a phone call to the SPPD business line or even 911 should not be an issue...but callers — or email tipsters for that matter — can always remain anonymous.

It’s especially important that people stick to the phone and the old-fashioned 911 when they see a crime being committed or believe a crime is imminent. 

For suspected criminal activity, say a neighbor having heavy foot traffic that could indicate the sale of illegal narcotics, it is all right to send an email, call the Dispatch business line or even use the SPPD Tip Hotline to alert officers so they can start an investigation.

Clark said there is also a growing concern about what people are posting on Facebook regarding crime or suspected criminal activity: “Each incident can be different in so many ways that we would appreciate they report it to an officer before posting on Facebook...these postings can actually hamper investigations. If the incident is something serious or considered a threat to public safety the SPPD will issue a press release,” that factually lays out the information regarding the incident.

“That’s the thing about Facebook...people can post whatever they want on there,” which Clark said is not always factual but rather based “on something they heard. Or they read something on Facebook and immediately believe it. People should do their own research,” and try to determine the truth of much that is posted on Facebook.

All in all, social media is a positive tool for communication, “But just not all communication,” said Clark. “When the police are needed we want to know right away,” rather than find out after the fact when someone in the short-staffed department checks the SPPD Facebook page.

Anyone witnessing a crime being committed or they suspect such an event is about to occur is urged to dial 911. Suspected criminal activity can be reported to the Santa Paula Police Department at 805-525-4474, or, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or email tips to tipline@spcity.org

“We continue to thank people for the information they give us and urge them to continue to help their police department fight crime,” said Clark. “We just want to make sure the message is delivered at the right time to the right person...”





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