Mesquite, TX – October 15, 2020 – To continue its ongoing efforts to connect with the community, the Mesquite Police Department has launched four new social media platforms: Facebook @MesquitePoliceTX, Twitter @MesquitePD_TX, Instagram @mesquitepd_tx and LinkedIn @Mesquite Police Department. The department has had a presence on Nextdoor.
Mesquite Police Chief Charles Cato, said, “One of the six pillars of successful 21st Century Policing is the use of technology and social media. We are excited to connect with our community in new ways with these social media platforms. We will use them to keep the public informed, promote the great work of all our department employees and promote job opportunities throughout the department.”
Cato was quick to point out that these social media platforms are not monitored 24/7 and should not be used by the public in place of 911. He stated, “To report a crime or if you need immediate police assistance, we need you to call our dispatch center at 972-285-6336. For emergency services, please call 911.”
The social media accounts will not provide instant, private messaging to the police department, and all public comments will be monitored for appropriateness and to make sure they are in the scope of the topic. But, the department also has a new email account pio@mesquitepolice.org the public can use to contact the police on non-emergency issues.
Cato shared that he is hopeful these new social media platforms will continue to increase the department’s public presence and transparency efforts. Recently, officers have been reaching out to senior citizens at assistance living facilities with personalized cards and local students with the 7-Eleven’s “Operation Big Chill” to reward kids for good behavior.