Police turn to social networking

Police in Cumbria have turned to social networking websites to get closer to their communities.

Officers have created their own Twitter accounts to pass on information about local events, issues and crimes, and the force has its own Facebook profile.

Videos featuring snippets of operational policing, community events and new additions to its dog unit are posted on the force's Youtube channel.

The move has been described as an addition to day-to-day policing work.

Deputy Chief Constable Stuart Hyde said: "Social networking sites present us with an ideal fun way of reaching out to more local people.

"Through these sites, we hope that younger generations in particular will become more involved with policing in their areas.

"By becoming our friend or fan, they will be able to get a better understanding of what we do and how they can help us to make their neighbourhoods safer."

The online presence was an addition to normal community work, and face-to-face meetings, neighbourhood surgeries and community events would continue as normal, he added.