No Surprise Here: NSA Abused Surveillance Powers

Police Learning To Make Good Use Of Twitter

from the good-for-them dept

Wed, Apr 15th 2009 11:23pm — Mike Masnick

With all the stories of police getting worried about new technologies, it's always good to see cases where they seem to be using them appropriately. Rick recently wrote in to point out a story where police in Maine used Craigslist to track down a prostitution ring. Compare that to others who have been blaming Craigslist for prostitution. And, now we're seeing stories about some police departments that are actively using Twitter either to send out emergency alerts to people, or to better connect with the community they're supposed to be protecting. Of course, that story worries about "impostors," but there are ways to deal with that issue. For police looking to make use of the technology, it can be quite useful, and it's great to see some actually realizing that and embracing the technology.

Filed Under: police, twitter
Companies: twitter

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Anonymous Coward, 16 Apr 2009 @ 12:59am

easy Fix
that story worries about "impostors,"
as long as twitter can protect it self from hackers and as long as the police can properly secure its twitter account (although they have a bad record lots of stories).

all is needed is some sort of badge or verified account Icon issued by twitter.
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Ron Harris, 16 Apr 2009 @ 7:37am

You Criminal Elements Had Better Learn About Twitter
In the Information Technology field in which I work, one of the best ways to stop a hacker, is to think like a hacker. Likewise you criminal elements out there, you had better learn about Twitter because the "Law" is coming after you via this media. :)
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Anonymous Coward, 16 Apr 2009 @ 7:56am

Or if your a criminal ...don't be stupid enough to post about it on twtter
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TheStuipdOne, 16 Apr 2009 @ 7:58am

I was hoping
that this was a story about a criminal organization communicating via twitter and the cops busted them. I guess criminals a little bit too smart to tweet:

"Stealin from the 7/11 on Brown. Hot chick works there, might take her too"

"Fuck yea! got $700!!! Fat guy was workin, maybe I'll get the hot chick next time"
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