Blackmon: Social networking is good police tool

There was considerable news and comment over the weekend about the use of social networks. In a Sunday column in this newspaper, University of Georgia journalism professor Barry Hollander explained how they can give us a false sense of consensus. Queen Elizabeth joined Flickr and now will share her favorite family photos. Sunday's New York Times Magazine featured a story on how we can never erase our cyber history.

Politicians use Twitter, Facebook and YouTube as campaign tools, with varying success. Sarah Palin tweets and her word choices become headline news. Each candidate for mayor of Athens-Clarke County has a Facebook page.

There are myriad uses - some legitimate and others questionable - for the Wild West world of social networking.

Last week, when deputies in Oconee County arrested a man on child pornography charges, the online commenters in this newspaper sprang to life. One poster questioned the legal process of the arrest. Oconee County Sheriff Scott Berry quickly posted a response explaining how his department met the requirements of the law.

I was impressed with both the timeliness and clarity of the response. It stopped potential rumors before they could get started. I thought it was a good strategy. In his post, Sheriff Berry also mentioned the department's website, Twitter and Facebook posts.

When I checked those out, I was pleased to see how Berry is using these tools. His department has posted traffic advisories, a couple of manhunts and news of interest from other places. Also posted are information and reminders about new laws and regulations. Posts about emergencies can be made in a matter of seconds. Correct information about everything from an escaped inmate to a traffic tie-up goes out quickly. Any mistakes can be corrected just as fast.

This triggered a quick perusal of other area law enforcement websites. In Madison, Jackson and Oglethorpe counties, sheriff's office websites are static, offering basic information about contacts, locations and how to get information. Clarke County Sheriff Ira Edwards uses his department's website to announce awards, promotions and other positive events.

Athens-Clarke police Chief Jack Lumpkin uses the police department site in a hybrid fashion. The site offers links to services and information, and a daily press release link details crimes and arrests from the previous day.

In my opinion, Berry's approach bears examination, especially in Athen

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