Statement issued Thursday:

The Indiana State Police has joined the ranks of public and government organizations utilizing social networking services to provide information to the media and public.

Today the Indiana State Police Department announced the official launch of their Facebook and Twitter social network sites:

• The Facebook site is: Indiana State Police Public-Information-Office
• The Twitter site is: https://twitter.com/Indstatepolice

The Facebook page will have a variety of information to include recent news releases, videos, pictures and other information about programs and services offered by the Indiana State Police. Facebook users can choose to become a “fan” of the Indiana State Police and receive updates as they’re posted.

The Indiana State Police Twitter site will offer followers’ up-to-the minute information about selected traffic events or criminal investigations that could affect safety. Example Twitter™ posts could include crime alerts, suspect descriptions, road closings, Amber and Silver alerts, dangerous weather conditions and traffic crashes are just a few of the anticipated uses.

The use of social networking by the Indiana State Police gives all interested businesses and citizens another avenue to get real-time public safety information in addition regular news sources of TV, print and radio.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell, Ph.D. said “We, as a public service agency, are keenly aware of the public’s desire to be informed about their surroundings, especially when it pertains to public safety. Use of social networking is one more way the Indiana State Police can reach out to the public we serve.”