RPD Utilizes Social Media for Crime Tips

The Redlands Police Department Special Operations Bureau recently expanded its use of social media to help identify wanted suspects and persons of interest, using the department’s Facebook page and Twitter account to post wanted information. Only days into the new initiative, the department has already had its first successful identification of a suspect wanted for stealing a bicycle in the 600 block of Jeremy Court. On Wednesday, police contacted a 25-year-old Redlands man and forwarded misdemeanor theft charges to the District Attorney for review after a Facebook user identified the man in the photo to police. The bike has not been recovered. Since July 28, police have posted seven fliers displaying surveillance photos of suspects or persons of interest wanted primarily for theft. In each instance, investigators are seeking information that would help identify the person in the photos. In addition to surveillance photos, the fliers include a description of the circumstances of the crime, including the date, time and location, and contact information where the public can provide information. The public is asked to contact police directly and not to respond with suspect information online in order to avoid making potential false accusations public or jeopardizing the police investigation. “The RPD commends the online community for helping keep our community safe and holding those who commit crimes accountable for their actions,” said Lt. Travis Martinez. “We look forward to this future crime-fighting partnership.”