Sikeston police join social networking world on Facebook

SIKESTON, Mo. -- The Sikeston Department of Public Safety is now using social media -- specifically Facebook -- to improve its community relations, the Sikeston Standard Democrat reported.

"Facebook will help provide information to the community," said said Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer. "It helps keep the public informed on what's happening and gives them a chance to help us by offering information on current investigations. It is also helpful in dispelling rumors and myths by letting the public know what really happened in a timely manner."

He said that over the past few years, DPS has looked for newer ways to improve community relations and expedite information to the public. McMillen noted that although DPS has always done this to an extent, in 2007, chief Drew Juden took communications a step further, in appointing McMillen as public information officer.

"Since then we have been working to improve relationships with the news media and our area residents," he said. "Many law enforcement agencies are now using Facebook to accomplish this task."

McMillen said the department chose to use Facebook for several reasons.

"First you must realize how valuable the public is in helping us do our job," he said. "Our business is information based and the better we gather this information, the safer our community will be. Facebook provides rapid communication directly to the citizens. Currently all of our department's news releases are posted on our Facebook account."

McMillen said Facebook can help in locating wanted suspects, advising of road closings and construction, locating missing children or adults, updating dangerous weather conditions, updating recent arrests and crime and providing an avenue for the Department to solicit feedback and better its efforts.

To follow the department on Facebook, search 'Sikeston DPS' on Facebook. Additionally, McMillen said citizens are always welcome to contact the department at 573-471-4711 if they have further information as a crime or seek further information regarding posts on Facebook.