Booked Through Facebook?

In a photo album on the SPF's official Facebook page are 37 photos of individuals the police are looking for to assist in investigations.

Each picture in the album is accompanied by a caption, describing the cases which the subjects are linked to.

Those pictured in the album in clued individuals linked to cases of loanshark harassment, theft and outrage of modesty.

Netizens are urged to call the police hotline if they have any information on the individuals pictured in the album, titled "Police Applea: Do you know these people?".

Currently, the SPF Facebook page has more than 8,400 "fans".

Facebook members can become "fans" of various organisations - including SPF - at a click of the mouse, and will receive updates whenever new information is added to the page.

They are also able to share the link to the album containing the suspects' pictures with others on their contact lists.

Mr Fong Weng Kiong, assistant director, information, of the SPF's public affairs department, said the police started using Facebook as part of its law enforcement efforts in April.

He said SPF decided to set up its Facebook page because an increasing number of law enforcement agencies, including Interpol, are using social media platforms such as YouTube and Facebook to appeal for information on crime suspects.

He said: "(The Facebook page) was also intended to be a platform whereby crime prevention advice can be disseminated."

Though no suspects have been nabbed via Facebook yet, Mr Fong responses from netizens have been encouraging.

Effective crime-busting tool

Dr Raymond Choo, a researcher with the Australian Institute of Criminology, said new media channels, such as the SPFs Facebook page, can be effective community policing platforms.

Said Dr Choo, a former police officer who was with the SPF for five years: "The community can learn about when and how a crime is committed, and how they can help."

He stressed the need for law enforcement agencies to reassess policing techniques to keep pace with society.

Governments worldwide, he said, are already recognising the importance of engaging the online community in fighting crime.

An example, he said, was the recent appointment of Andrew Stott as the UK cabinets first Director of Digital Engagement, a position created to encourage communication with netizens through digital technology.

He also cited the example of the launch of a one-stop website, set up by the Australian government, to provide information and support for victims of sexual assault.

"information and communications technologies (ICT) can play both strategic and operational functions in facilitating effective community policing," Dr Choo said.

For example, police officers can respond swiftly to comments, feedback or tip-offs from people to help track down wanted criminals missing individuals.

The use of social networks, he said, can also be useful in helping the authorities maintain a good relationship with the public.

Said Dr Choo: "Operationally, ICT also enhances and supports problem-solving efforts, by providing ready access to information via information sharing and dissemination on social networking sites."

But there may be pitfalls.

Sites like Facebook, Dr Choo said, can also be abused by organised crime groups and foreign intelligence services.

For example, street gangs in Australia have reportedly used social networks to promote themselves, and to prey on impressionable young people.

Israels internal intelligence service has also recently urged the public to exercise caution when using Facebook, claiming their enemies were trying to recruit spies through the site.

The use of Facebook by law enforcers may also present some privacy-related problems, said senior software engineer Tim Goh, 29.

He said: Suspects could also create fake Facebook profiles and offer false information.

"Valid users may provide information in a non-confidential manner - such as commenting publicly - thus tipping off suspects."

The New Paper - Wednesday 28 October 2009