---
title: Community Safety and Social Media
description: Use social media to connect communities against crime and promote safer neighborhoods. Use sites such as nextdoor.com... CA Security Pro 800-310-9490
image: https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/file-1688815212-jpg/images/social_media.jpg
---

**

**[Northern CA 800-310-9490 ](tel:1-800-310-9490)****[Southern CA 800-960-4590](tel:1-800-960-4590)**

 

*Search* **

[![securitypro-group-logo](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/securitypro-group-logo.jpg?width=295&name=securitypro-group-logo.jpg "securitypro-group-logo")](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com)

![adt-dealer-white](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/adt-dealer-white.jpg?width=295&name=adt-dealer-white.jpg "adt-dealer-white")

# ADT Security Pro - Home Security Blog

## [Community Safety and Social Media](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/bid/201737/community-safety-and-social-media)

Posted by [Taniqua Pino](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/author/taniqua-pino) on Wed,Sep 24,2014 @ 07:58 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![Community Safety and Social Media](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/file-1688815212-jpg/images/social_media.jpg?width=279&height=91&name=social_media.jpg)

I bet social media isn't your first thought when you think of preventing crime. Social media, however, is already utilized by authorities, concerned citizens and law breakers alike and is helping put bad guys behind bars.

We all know social media is a big part of many people's lives. Just look at the stats:

- [54% of Americans](http://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media-research/11-shocking-new-social-media-statistics-in-america/) use social media.
- [22% of Americans](http://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media-research/11-shocking-new-social-media-statistics-in-america/) visit social media several times a day.
- [74% of Internet users](http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/social-networking-fact-sheet/) use social media.
- [90% of Internet users](http://www.pewinternet.org/fact-sheets/social-networking-fact-sheet/) between 18 and 29 use social media.
- In the first half of 2012, 319 solved crimes used [social media evidence](http://blog.x1discovery.com/2012/11/16/5-case-studies-of-social-media-evidence-in-criminal-investigations/) in the US.

I will just add to that, my 7 year old has asked for a Facebook profile already. Social media reaches so many people, it is no wonder authorities and citizens alike are using social media as a venue to knit communities together against crime.

 

## Social Media and Law Breakers

We've established that for many, social media is a part of daily life. You'll find marriage proposals and famous people caught eating (Gasp!)  and what crimes people committed last night... No joke.  In 2011, [78% of criminal defendants had social media profiles](http://www.socialmediatoday.com/content/agent-facebook-and-detective-twitter-preventing-and-solving-crimes-through-social-media). Many use no privacy setting and some are bold enough to share incriminating information on their profiles. Incriminating information that holds up in court. Check out these over shares:

- Teen brags on Facebook about drunken hit and run. Ends up in jail. [Story here](http://www.digitaltrends.com/social-media/teen-brags-about-driving-while-intoxicated-on-facebook-gets-arrested/#!D4h77)
- Oklahoma mom Facebook messages to arrange the sale of her two children. [Story here](http://www.digitaltrends.com/social-media/woman-arrested-after-trying-to-sell-kids-on-facebook/#!D4fUo)
- Three arrested after posting video of an assault to social media. [Story here](http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/Delaware_teens_arrested_after_shocking_assault_video_posted_to_social_media.html?c=r)
- Man arrested after posting a video of "How-to properly drink and drive. [Story here](http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/18/tech/social-media/online-oversharing-arrests/)
- Terroristic threat involving students averted. Suspect was trying to secure weapons on social media. [Story here](http://www.lexisnexis.com/risk/newsevents/press-release.aspx?Id=1342623085481181#sthash.VdZZ84Kn.dpuf)

Social media is paving the way for more tech savvy law breakers to lead law enforcement officers to right to them.

 

## Community Police and Social Media

![Community Safety and Social Media:Police Vehicle](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/file-1687832881-jpg/images/community_safety_and_social_media.jpg?width=280&height=117&name=community_safety_and_social_media.jpg)Not only are police using social media to catch bad guys, police departments are using social media to promote community interaction and safety. Here are some common ways to engage with your local police using social media:

- **Crime prevention tips-**Find targeted tips that apply in seasons, such as identity theft tips near tax time or geographically targeted tips alerting a specific community to events happening there.
- **Supporting and promoting neighborhood watch groups-**Social media allows for personal and day-to-day involvement in neighborhoods and can advertise the links and efforts of specific groups.
- **Find community events-**Many communities offer free paper shredding days and events that officers attend to promote other community programs.
- **Crime prevention webchats, blogs and podcasts-**Webchats offer busy officers and citizens opportunity for live interactions.
- [Oakland PD](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Oakland-Police-Department-Oakland-CA/391011254354978) uses a Facebook page and Twitter to promote positive stories about OPD and its communities. They also try to post up to the minute comments during a crisis like with 2012's school shooting.
- [Sacramento](https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sacramento-Police-Department/137481202396?ref=search&sid=1008813209.487785632..1) and [Los Angeles](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6pEsgfG3tY) use social media to post videos of officers in the community, daily life of officers, and other information to promote understanding of how the organizations operate and interact with the citizens of each community.

Check out your local police station's social media. It's also a venue to ask questions and provide feed-back.  

## Citizens in Your Community

[![Community Safety and Social Media:NextDoor.com](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/file-1687847896-jpg/images/next_door.jpg?width=280&height=209&name=next_door.jpg)](https://nextdoor.com)Finding time to organize a neighborhood watch isn't always realistic. Enter sites such as [Nextdoor.com](https://nextdoor.com). Nextdoor could be the social media parallel to a neighborhood watch program. An officer could alert a specific neighborhood of a break-in or a resident can broadcast crimes and suspicious activities to the rest of the community. [Read here](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/bid/200698/ADT-Pulse-Camera-at-Front-Door-Catches-Diaper-Thief-Watch-Video) about a Walnut Creek mom that used Nextdoor.com to share video of a burglary caught with security cameras. The community helped put the burglar behind bars.

[Nixle.com](https://local.nixle.com) is another community site used to keep communities informed. You register your address and choose from organizations that provide alerts for your area. You can choose to receive alerts from places such as your local police department, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and local or national emergency centers.

How united a community is often indicates how successful crime prevention efforts will be for that area. Busy lives make social media sites that connect your community a great option.

Many citizens also opt for home security systems to protect individual homes in the community. Advertisement of your alarm with stickers and signs, makes your300 times less likely to be targeted for a break-in. However, a shocking number of burglaries happen through homes with systems that are not armed and doors and windows that are not locked. While thinking about community safety, remember to take the simple steps of closing and locking doors as you leave and activating your security system. Download your [FREE GUIDE to Home Security](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/free-guide-to-your-home-security/) and evaluate your safety.

**[Video monitoring](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/bid/201630/ADT-Pulse-Camera-Systems) has become a very affordable option too! For more information on adding a home security system or cameras to your home [call us ](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/thank-you-for-your-referral)at 800-310-9490. We'll come out and give you a [FREE In-Home Security Review](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/your-free-home-security-review/) of your property.**

[![SCHEDULE A FREE  HOME SECURITY REVIEW](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/137046/b7163e12-386e-4a2d-9477-0c591baf2ff5.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/137046/b7163e12-386e-4a2d-9477-0c591baf2ff5)

 

**Related and Helpful Links**:

Search "ADT (your city name) on this site and read a bit about your community and home security. Local twitter feeds are embedded so you can click and follow your police department's Twitter feed too.

[National Neighborhood Watch](http://www.nnw.org/)

<http://www.nnw.org/>[Crime mapping](http://www.crimemapping.com/)-Offers maps of communities with icons to show reported crimes in your area and the result (if they led to arrest, etc)  
[My neighborhood update](http://www.myneighborhoodupdate.net)- You can type in your city and see the calls and reports made into the local police department in a given period of time.  
[Richmond PD uses Facebook ](http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CB4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ktvu.com%2Fnews%2Fnews%2Fcrime-law%2Frichmond-police-use-social-media-fight-against-pro%2FnhG6j%2F&ei=0mskVLrHO8zkigKGxoGoAg&usg=AFQjCNG0RhpmV97uwMlNlQM_1l99FK2vbg&sig2=GSUF70TCzmm4l39bNUUDUQ&bvm=bv.76247554,d.cGE&cad=rjt)for to fight prostitution.

[Law enforcement and social media team up to fight crime](http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/justice-studies/blog/law-enforcement-and-social-media/).

**Related Video:**

ADT Pulse Video Catches Thief: A Walnut Creek homeowner catches thief on video and posts to social media resulting in community reporting the thiefs vehicle's location and the thief being aprehended. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Tags: [Safety Tips](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/safety-tips)

### Subscribe by Email

### Table of Contents

- [Activate Existing Alarm System](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=Activate+Existing+Security+System)
- [ADT Monitoring Service and Pricing](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=ADT+Monitoring+Service+and+Pricing)
- [ADT Pulse](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=ADT+Pulse)
- [Cellular Security Systems](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=Cellular+Security+Systems)
- [False Alarms and Prevention](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=False+Alarms+and+Prevention)
- [Home Technology Management and Automation](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=Home+Automation)
- [Home Security Companies](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=Home+Security+Companies)
- [Home Security Equipment](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=Home+Security+Equipment)
- [Safety Tips](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=Safety+Tips)
- [Video Surveillance and Cameras](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/?Tag=Surveillance+Cameras)

### Browse by Tag

- [Activate Existing Alarm System (8)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/activate-existing-alarm-system)
- [ADT Authorized Dealers (44)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-authorized-dealers)
- [ADT Command and Control (10)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-command-and-control)
- [ADT Free Home Security System (20)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-free-home-security-system)
- [ADT Hard Wired Security Systems (11)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-hard-wired-security-systems)
- [ADT Home Security Systems (105)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-home-security-systems)
- [ADT Installation (6)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-installation)
- [ADT Monitoring Service (41)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-monitoring-service)
- [ADT Prices and Cost of ADT Pulse (13)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-prices-and-cost-of-adt-pulse)
- [ADT Pulse Cameras (12)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-pulse-cameras)
- [ADT Pulse Equipment and Packages (37)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-pulse-equipment-and-packages)
- [ADT Pulse Security System (64)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-pulse-security-system)
- [ADT Security System (15)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-security-system)
- [ADT Specials and Coupons (10)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-specials-and-coupons)
- [ADT Wireless Security Systems (27)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/adt-wireless-security-systems)
- [Business Security Systems (2)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/business-security-systems)
- [CA Security (4)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/ca-security)
- [California Crime (49)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/california-crime)
- [Cellular Security Systems (12)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/cellular-security-systems)
- [False Alarms and Prevention (4)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/false-alarms-and-prevention)
- [FREE ADT Home Security System (3)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/free-adt-home-security-system)
- [Home Security Equipment (13)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/home-security-equipment)
- [Home Technology Management and Automation (36)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/home-technology-management-and-automation)
- [Mobile Home Security (Mobile Apps) (7)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/mobile-home-security-mobile-apps)
- [Safety Tips (49)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/safety-tips)
- [Sales Jobs California (1)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/sales-jobs-california)
- [Security Cameras and Video Surveillance Systems (27)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/security-cameras-and-video-surveillance-systems)
- [Smart Home Automation (10)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/smart-home-automation)
- [Warranty (1)](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/blog/topic/warranty)

![verisign](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/file-17690223-jpg/images/verisign.jpg?width=93&name=verisign.jpg)

Call Now [1-800-310-9490  
](tel:1-800-310-9490)2551 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 217 San Ramon, CA 94583

[![bbb-follow-icon](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/file-2489665837-png/images/new/icons/bbb-follow.png)](http://www.bbb.org/greater-san-francisco/business-reviews/security-systems-consultants/california-security-pro-in-san-ramon-ca-370764#bbblogo) [![yelp-follow-icon](https://www.californiasecuritypro.com/hs-fs/hub/137046/file-2481222748-png/images/new/icons/yelp-follow-icon.png)](http://www.yelp.com/biz/california-security-pro-adt-authorized-dealer-san-ramon-2)