Law enforcement taps social networking to reach public

ST. PAUL-October was already a dangerous month on roads in Goodhue County.

"Quite a few vehicles that went off the roadway," says Minnesota State Trooper Dan Lewis.

Then, on nearly the last day of the month, Trooper Lewis' squad car camera was rolling on his way to check on another crash.

 "It was pretty deep slush. I saw the vehicle lose control, start coming into my lane and I just started to try and drive as far right as I could," says Lewis.

 Trooper Dan Lewis has had close calls before. The car that lost control hit his and ended up in a field. Both Lewis and the other driver were not hurt.

 "It happens so fast and you don't have a lot of time to react and your life can change in a matter of just a second," says Lewis.

It's a message the Minnesota State Patrol hopes everyone hears, recently launching a Twitter feed and now, a facebook page.

Trooper Lewis' brush with bad driving will be posted for every fan to see.

 "Recognizing that social media is so prolific in society and literally almost everybody is on there, so we can't just discount that. We are in social media trying to generate a presence trying to get our messages out even more than in the past," says Capt. Matt Langer with the Minnesota State Patrol.

 The Minnesota State Patrol is just one local enforcement agency following the lead of many others around the country and taking advantage of the power of social media to reach a wide audience. The Minneapolis Police Department just got connected on facebook.

Authorities posted video of an assault recently, helping lead investigators to the suspects and victim.

 The St. Paul Police Department is also on facebook.

 And now, the state patrol hopes keeping people safe on the roads may be just one facebook friend away.

 "Once they leave in the morning, we want them to make home every night...so if they would just slow down," says Trooper Lewis.

 The state patrol says it keeps a close eye out for hacking and anyone posting inappropriate material on its facebook page.

 

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