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Police urge people to call 911 before reporting crimes on social media

Posted at 5:39 PM, Dec 03, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-03 18:39:47-05

Lenexa Police are taking to Twitter to ask people to call 911 and not message or tweet them when they have an emergency. They are not alone in their request.

Stephanie Watson created the Facebook page "Independence Community Watch" two years ago, after her car was stolen. She says she deletes comments daily of people reporting crimes online before heading to police.

"For instance if there is an accident a lot of people will post pictures of the accident, we try to make sure to take that down, and they'll post information that the police don't want out,” said Watson.

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Lenexa Police say they get a message at least once a week with someone looking to report a crime.

"If it is in fact a situation that you need police help with we don't want any delay at all in our officer getting dispatch," said Chavez.

Master Police Officer Danny Chavez says Lenexa’s social media sites are not monitored 24/7.

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When they do check their social media messages, the most common messages they get is reports of suspicious activity. An alert Chavez says police want right way - even if it turns out to be nothing.

"Just call us anyway and if it turns out to be unfounded no problem at all,” said Chavez.

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Ali Hoxie can be reached at ali.hoxie@kshb.com

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