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Lawrence Police Department uses social media, humor to engage community

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LAWRENCE, Kan. - The Lawrence Police Department has a pretty unique take on social media, and it seems to be working. 

In less than two years they’ve managed to grow to nearly 40,000 followers.

Officer Andrew Fennelly is the one character behind the 140 characters posted on the Lawrence Police Department’s Twitter page. 

“If these jokes weren’t coming from a police department, they probably wouldn’t be as funny because my wife tells me all the time how not funny I am,” Officer Fennelly said.

His tweets have become a trending topic on the nearby KU campus. The posts are oftentimes humorous, but officers say they’re also effective. 

“Connecting with the community, getting to know the Lawrence Police Department to see we’re humans just like everyone else,” Fennelly told 41 Action News.

The Lawrence Police Department joined the ranks of Twitter in December 2015. Less than two years and nearly 40,000 followers later, it has translated into relevant police work. 

Fennelly’s mission is to connect with the public. As a result, it has helped detectives ID suspects and solve cases. 

Check out the account here.