Police team sets up Facebook page

In a pilot scheme, which it is hoped will be rolled out across the rest of Calderdale, Halifax Central Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has its own Facebook page.

Sergeant John Simpson, of Central NPT, said: “Now we are placing updates on Facebook, anyone who accesses this social networking site on their mobile, can quickly see information about operations taking place in the area, and details of local Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. Whether you are at home, work or out and about the information can be accessed from anywhere.”

Police in Calderdale are also using mobile phones for stop and searches.

The hand-held computers, which were recently introduced into the division, have given officers a “significant amount” of extra time which was previously spent filling in paperwork.

Chief Inspector Martin Lister said: “The use of mobile data devices will allow our officers to spend more time in the places where residents want to see them. That is on our streets, tackling issues the community has raised.”