The world of social media continues to evolve rapidly and the Arlington Police Department is on the cutting-edge. "We have really found a niche in reaching thousands of residents through our social media platforms," said Sgt. Christopher Cook who oversees the APD media office. "If you have not been following the Police Department, you might be missing quite a bit of great information. Experience has demonstrated that social media is a powerful tool to quickly disseminate information to our followers so that they can stay connected with department operations."

The department currently utilizes four different platforms: Facebook, Twitter, NIXLE, and YouTube. Facebook allows residents to engage in dialogue by commenting on department posts. Everything from great police work to employee awards are profiled on Facebook. Most recently, the department has added a Saturday column entitled, "Meet Your Officer," profiling a different officer each week so the community can get to know its diverse workforce. "This new column resonates with our followers and makes them feel part of the team," said Cook.

Twitter continues to be the platform of choice to post real-time, live updates of breaking news. The department also hosts special events through Twitter, such as the award-winning "Tweet-Along". It's a virtual ride-along experience with a growing number of loyal followers. In July 2012, APD was awarded the Most Innovative Use of Social Media based on this Tweet-Along concept by the Center for Digital Government. Traffic Tip-Tuesdays and Fraud Tip-Fridays are weekly tidbits of valuable information on staying safe which are also tweeted to followers.

NIXLE and YouTube are used to post important community messages and crime alerts. NIXLE is a free subscription based service that allows citizens to opt into the service to receive the alerts and messages via mobile telephone or email, a preference that they set up individually. Surveillance videos as well as public service announcements are posted regularly on the department's YouTube channel. The department will also be posting its own video news programming in the near future so stay tuned.

The goal of all of these media platforms is to get social, tell stories, and most importantly listen to what our followers are saying, both good and bad. APD believes this is another extension to good old-fashioned community policing through a digital interface. One thing to remember is that a real, live cop takes the time to read everything you have to say…Everything.

See what you have been missing. Like us at www.facebook.com/arlingtonpolice. Follow us atwww.twitter.com/arlingtonpd. Subscribe to NIXLE by texting "FOLLOWAPD" to 888777 or go to www.nixle.com. Our YouTube channel is located at www.youtube.com/arlingtonpolicemedia.