Millions of people use Facebook everyday, that includes police in the Quad Cities.
Police in the Quad Cities are making more arrests thanks to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Scott Williams, a detective with the Moline Police Department and coordinator for Quad Cities Crime Stoppers, says the Crime Stoppers Facebook page has led to an increase in tips regarding criminal activity. Crime stoppers average between eight and 10 cleared cases a month because of anonymous tips, Williams added.
On February 9, 2015, the Rock Island Police Department posted a picture of an alleged shoplifter, asking if someone from the community could identify the woman in the picture. Two hours and more than 400 shares later, the police department posted an update, stating they had identified the woman. The police department responded with, "That was fast, thanks Facebook!"
For groups like Crime Stoppers, tips can lead to a cash payout. Since it's inception in 1982, Crime Stoppers have cleared 3,032 cases, conducted 2,180 arrests and paid $289,715 in rewards.
Williams said he believes social media will continue to play a vital role for policing in the future.
All police departments in the Quad Cities have an active Facebook account, with the exception of the Moline Police Department.