NYPD Forms New Unit to Catch Criminals Via Social Media

In an attempt to harness the power of social media, a newly created unit of the New York Police Department (NYPD) will scour the worlds of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and other social websites for criminals, criminal acts and potentially dangerous situations.

Whether it is to announce plans for a large party, talk about a new piece of clothing or to brag about recent criminal activity, New York's youth take to the Internet to talk or post about almost anything. And, it is this openness and willingness to occasionally over-share information, specifically about illegal activity, that the NYPD's new unit plans to tap into.

Noting the power of social media in an article about the NYPD's new unit, the New York Daily News highlighted the use of social media during the recent London riots. During the riots, rioters communicated with each other about locations of looting and burnings and send messages about police locations and operations. The same resources that helped rioters, however, aided the police in catching rioters whose pictures were posted to social media websites.

It is a natural tendency to want to talk about ourselves and our adventures, legal or illegal; and social media websites provide a platform to do so. While sitting quietly in your bedroom typing on your computer or cell phone may feel impersonal and even private, it isn't. Posting on the Internet has the power to reach more than just your friends, who may be your intended audience. Even a completely innocent post or inside joke could place someone in hot water if the message is misunderstood by the police.