Amarillo, Texas - Police departments across the panhandle are turning to Facebook for help.
Amarillo Crime Stoppers, Dalhart, Dumas and Borger Police Departments all have Facebook pages. But they aren't being used for social networking. Departments are posting surveillance photos and videos from crime scenes and looking for your help. The use of Facebook has allowed more people to see this information, and has led to tips that were crucial in many arrests.
Dalhart's Police Chief, Gary Sinclair, says he was first hesitant to turn to social media. But since they have, he says it's been a valuable tool.
"It has also helped us in our investigation, as a investigation tool because a lot of the companies here have camera systems, have audio and video systems. We put that on the Facebook and it's amazing the amount of citizens in town that will contact us with tips," Sinclair says.
Chief Sinclair tells us they also post other valuable information for their residents, such as road conditions during winter weather. Dalhart's Facebook page allows them to be transparent with their community.
