Cambridge Police launch Facebook and Twitter accounts

By Brock Parker, Globe Correspondent

Cambridge Police are working a new beat.

Last week, the department launched a Twitter account and a Facebook page in an effort to improve communication with young people and others involved with social media.

“We’re going to try and be as responsive as possible because we know that is how people communicate nowadays and we just want to be part of that conversation with them,” said Dan Riviello, a newly hired communications specialist for the department.

The Twitter account, @CambridgePolice, and the Facebook page, Cambridge Police Department, will be updated with news and traffic alerts and police logs daily.

People can also direct questions to the department through the social media, but Riviello said if it is something serious people should still contact police by phone.

Riviello said more and more police departments are setting up social media accounts where young people can get news and engage with police. Cambridge is modeling its Twitter account after Boston Police, and the Cambridge Facebook page already has more than 100 fans.

--brock.globe@gmail.com