New York State to use social media to catch wanted individuals

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that the New York State Police will use social media to locate and arrest wanted individuals across the state. New York State Police (NYSP) will launch "Warrant Wednesday" on its Facebook page asking for the public's help to track down people who have warrants out for arrest. Beginning Feb. 5, wanted posters will be added to the NYSP Facebook page each Wednesday featuring posters of wanted persons with arrest or bench warrants from across New York State. "New York State is using new and creative tools to help make our streets and neighborhoods safer," said Cuomo. "Social media's broad appeal can help the State Police track down those wanted in connection with crimes and bring them to justice." Each "Warrant Wednesday" posting will include a poster of a wanted individual contributed by State Police Troops across the state. Each poster will include a photo, information about the subject, what they are wanted for, and a contact number for the appropriate State Police station. This will appear as a "photo album" on the State Police Facebook page. Previous wanted postings on the State Police Facebook page, and the public's assistance, have led to the identification and arrest of several individuals. The NYSP said it needs the public's assistance in this initiative and to help locate these wanted persons. The public is also encouraged to look at, share the postings each week. It is also advised by the police that anyone with information as to the whereabouts of the individuals not take any police action themselves and instead contact state police.