BE ON LOOKOUT FOR THIS FRIEND REQUEST; THE SYRACUSE POLICE DEPARTMENT REACHES OUT TO COMMUNITY WITH ITS OWN PAGE ON FACEBOOK.(News)

Byline: Douglass Dowty Staff writer

The Syracuse Police Department has launched its own Facebook page.

But that's not the only 21st century initiative. It's also offering e-mail alerts on department news and an anonymous tip line for cell phones and smart phones.

The police can be reached online at their Facebook page or at their website, syracusepolice.org.

You do not need to be a member of Facebook to access the department's page. Simply search the Internet for "Syracuse Police Facebook" to find a link to their page.

On the website, select "Current Events" from the left-hand menu bar and scroll to the bottom to sign up for e-mail alerts.

Anonymous tips can be texted or e-mailed to intel@syracusepolice.org.

Police Chief Frank Fowler said it just makes sense to use whatever tools are available to reach the community.

The department's page is built to have wide appeal among Facebook users. Instead of waiting for people to read the police website, the department decided to follow the trend to social media.

The Facebook page includes stories about the department from local media, promotional photos, a list of upcoming events and even allows residents to post comments directly to its wall.

The site will encourage a conversation between the public and the police department. But it will serve as a crime-fighting tool, as well.

"If there is something major we are investigating, this is another avenue for us to put out feelers to see if people have information," Fowler said.

Police believe the Facebook page has four advantages:

More people will hear important information if the department shares it in a place where people already go.

Police can post information on crimes and trends, videos of suspects and photos of those who have outstanding warrants.

Police can use the page as a public relations tool by sharing successes, including key arrests and initiatives, as well as honors and awards.

Users can keep up-to-date on key promotions, hirings, partnerships and other general information.

Contact staff writer Douglass Dowty at ddowty@syracuse.com or 470-6070.