It only makes sense that a department headed by Mike Chitwood would take the lead when it comes to social media.
They don't call Chitwood 'Media Mike' for nothing.
The man who warned 'scumbags' to stay out of his town, then had it emblazoned on T-shirts, and yesterday referred to the suspect in the disappearance of little 7-month-old Hamza Ali a 'barbarian,' is now using Twitter to get the word out about crime to township residents.
You can follow them @UDPolice.
No one knows who is actually manning the keyboard, but whoever it is at least has a sense of humor. The officer is engaging with the community and exchanging barbs with those who follow on social media.
Yesterday, when we got word that Upper Darby police had called a morning press conference to discuss the Ummad Rushdi case, I tweeted it out as I normally do. I noticed that it got retweeted by @UDPolice.
I jokingly replied and asked if they wanted to share any information about what the press conference was going to be about.
They replied, 'Are you TRYING to get me in trouble?' and stressed that no information would be forthcoming until the 11 a.m. presser.
I've been saying for a couple of yeas now that the Internet and social media is fundamentally changing the business I work in. Social media is part of that equation. Today everyone with a laptop or phone is a publisher. That now includes your local police department.
There was a time when police were often resistant to release any information about crimes. Of course, Mike Chitwood has never subscribed to that method of community policing. He's loud, brash and out front. The guy never met a camera or microphone that he didn't like.
In other words, he's perfect for today's changing media landscape and the world of social media.
Welcome to Twitter, @UDPolice, whoever you are.
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