When someone stole a truck near 103rd and Metcalf Tuesday night in Johnson County, Overland Park police officers rolled up their sleeves to begin investigating.
"From the pictures we put out, it's burnt up a little bit," said Officer Richard Breshears with the Overland Park Police Department. "The detectives are going to see if they can figure out through security videos in that area if they can figure out if anyone stole that vehicle."
Then Breshears logged onto Twitter.
Ofcs recovered a stolen vehicle near W 105th St / Conser last evening after it was set on fire. #CookedCar @opcares pic.twitter.com/5wYVqcKm6I
— Overland Park Police (@OverlandPark_PD) February 3, 2016
"In the past, maybe the general public was unaware of what was going on," he explained. "This gives us an avenue of giving our citizens a little bit extra or a behind the scenes look to our police department."
Before social media, when police wanted to get a hold of reporters at 41 Action News, they'd send a press release.
Nowadays they're reaching us, and their residents, online with the help of social media apps like Facebook, Twitter and NextDoor.
"We can put those pictures out on our social media," he said. "Once they get shared amongst citizens, those generate tips that maybe someone who doesn't watch the news may miss through television, but it will still be there at a later date to assist with tips."
This is the newest tactic Overland Park, Lenexa and KCMO police departments are using to fight crime in their communities.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
You can also follow her on Twitter.
