Tune In to Social Media

Social media is so popular. What is it? Simply said it is the internet and the glorious tools we utilize daily to help us communicate with each other and be kept informed. Emails, social networking sites and applications for your cell phones are all a part of a growing trend.

Yesterday, I taught a entire course on Social Media trends to a group of law enforcement officers representing agencies from all over the State of Texas. We discussed facebook, twitter, you tube and many other online tools that help communicate a message to a targeted audience.

With law enforcement agencies joining the trend of this type of mass communication, who benefits? You and your family benefit. No longer do you have to wait to find out about crime in your area. Safety tips and crime alerts can be obtain through these resources. There is a large amount of information you may be looking for to better serve your family and your community.

Most cities or police departments have websites, some have facebook fan pages, and others have twitter accounts. All these online resources help you stay "in the know" about what is going on. Swine flu stats, holiday shopping tips and predator alerts are posted.

Most of these tools can be used with applications for your cell phones or desk tops to help you be in the know at your fingertips. It is no longer necessary to wait by the tv for the latest information. You have control to search and find the information you need and want on your own.

The first step you need to take is to find your local police on line. Become a fan of their facebook fan page or begin following them on twitter. While you may be on the go, you still can be in the know.