FACEBOOK has got a new member – Herts Police. The force has joined the popular social networking site in a bid to engage and interact with the community more effectively. The official Herts Police organisation page can be viewed by anyone who can then ad

FACEBOOK has got a new member - Herts Police. The force has joined the popular social networking site in a bid to engage and interact with the community more effectively.

The official Herts Police organisation page can be viewed by anyone who can then add themselves as a "fan".

Fans will then receive regular updates on local crime trends and crime prevention messages on how to keep safe. There is also the opportunity to ask questions and discuss issues in forums.

The site already boasts photos of wanted criminals, videos and forthcoming events. It also includes new recruit Pc Ross Paybody's "plog" which has updates on his activities as he trains to become a police officer.

Web editor James Garley said: "Myself and a colleague did a lot of research about using Facebook - and we both regularly use social networking sites ourselves. We've set something up that we hope people will like and find useful but do need their feedback about how we can improve it and what content we should include to get more people to join."

Chief constable Frank Whiteley said: "Our Facebook page gives us a new and exciting way to interact with the community and I look forward to seeing it develop."

He continued: "With online social networking becoming ever more popular, it is important for Herts Constabulary to have a presence on sites like Facebook as they offer another way for the public to communicate with us. I'd encourage people to take a look at the page and let us know what you think."

Earlier this year, Herts Police also launched a YouTube channel, which can be found at www.youtube.com/hertspolice and includes campaign videos and crime prevention videos.

To find the Facebook page login to the site and search for Herts Police.