The International Association of Chiefs of Police, in a September survey of 728 police departments nationwide, found 81 percent already use social media.
Thousands of people in New Mexico are keeping an eye on the police — through law-enforcement postings on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and blogs.
Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz says such social media is "taking the wanted poster to the next level" to put extra eyes on the streets and help keep citizens informed.
Law-enforcement agencies large and small post information on Facebook and send text messages and alerts directly to citizens. Albuquerque's police chief and the city's public safety director tweet, or type messages into Twitter.
The state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management sends tweets on everything from how to assemble an emergency kit to checking smoke alarm batteries. The Santa Fe County sheriff and others run blogs, while some departments put videos on YouTube.
"This is not a fad," reads its first tip in a Top 10 list for chiefs.
The association, in a September survey of 728 police departments nationwide, found 81 percent already use social media and most that didn't were considering it.
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