Police using social media to prevent crimes

Columbia police say social media is a game changer in solving crimes nowadays.

For example, the video one man took of the downtown Columbia shooting last month not only prompted witnesses to come forward, it helped catch a suspect.

Capt. Jill Schlude says the Columbia Police Departmentuses social media to prevent crimes, solve crimes, andgive criminal andtraffic alerts.

She says CPD hopes to get a smartphone app that allows witnesses to send their videos and pictures anonymously to aid police in their investigation.

CPD also hopes to hire a person to handletheir social media accountsand make sure every alert is immediately sent out to the public to keep them safe.