Social media has transformed the way social interactions occur in society. Law enforcement agencies have faced the daunting task of dealing with Internet crime. One of the most widespread problems on social media is cyberbullying. However, social media has also been a great opportunity and ally for first responders and law enforcement. Here are four amazing ways social media has proven to be an effective tool to help law enforcement protect our communities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Catching the Guilty You may have seen the recent elaborate remake of the film Annie. If so, you probably remember the car chase scene where Annie is kidnapped by a couple. Her friends spread the word on social media and soon people were posting photos of Annie in the car in various locations during the car chase. She was soon found and they managed to catch the culprits before they jumped on a plane and escaped. While this scenario is a bit of an exaggeration, social media is certainly a great tool for officers to get real-time updates on a suspect's location. In urgent cases like a kidnapping or a bomb threat, it's easy to see how quickly social media can help prevent critical situations from worsening and save lives before it's too late. Spreading the message Once again, time is a significant aspect of crime scenes and terrorist plots. Social media is a great way to spread the message about potential security risks by reaching millions of people at a time. As terrorist attacks and threats increase, it is easier and faster to bring more people to safety and limit the number of victims. It is also much easier to alert the police and first responders. Furthermore, if there is talk of a threat, with enough exposure on social media the police will be alerted and have time to defuse the threat before it occurs. Involuntary Recruitment of Volunteers Although it is very sad to read a tragic news story on social media, it is an effective way to raise awareness. In many cases, people will hear about a tragedy and volunteer their time to help victims deal with the aftermath and clean up. In the case of the Humboldt team accident in Saskatchewan or the fires in Fort McMurray, many people were affected. Police and first responders didn't have all the resources and people available to help everyone at once. People heard the news on social media and started their own volunteer efforts, whether it was donating time, supplies, or setting up GoFundMe pages, everyone helped in whatever way they could. Maintain Close Community Relationships Social media helps police and firefighters stay in touch with the needs of their community. Previously, it was difficult to establish a direct relationship with law enforcement unless there was an emergency. However, as of now, many local police departments and fire departments have social media pages where they host discussions about what's happening in the community and answer any questions or concerns locals may have. As a result, many people feel more confident and involved in the safety of their community and are able to express their opinions on what can be improved. Additionally, people establish a relationship with local law enforcement and develop trust in them. Here.