If you're going to commit petty larceny and you want to get away with it, you probably shouldn't create a Facebook event to mark the occasion. And unless you're referring to a Tupac song, you probably shouldn't hashtag a tweet #gangsterparty.
The NYPD has formed a new social media unit to nab crooks who talk about their crimes, including gang activity on Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace.
The New York Daily News reports that the new juvenile justice unit will "mine social media, looking for info about troublesome house parties, gang showdowns, and other potential mayhem."
Assistant Commissioner of the juvenile justice unit, Kevin O'Connor, will head up the effort, which will operate under the Community Affairs Bureau. The Daily News points out that in the past, 23-year-old O'Connor has used the Internet to successfully catch criminals, coordinating stings to bust predators looking to hook up with minors, for example.
O'Connor also has law enforcement experience specific to social media. The Daily News says "he was credited in his former assignment with a Manhattan North gang unit for providing critical information in a number of shooting cases gleaned from online boasting." As a result, he was promoted to assistant commissioner from lieutenant, a significant jump in rank.
In London, police are using the Web to detain people it believes have been involved in the riots. Local law enforcement has launched a Flickr stream and a dedicated Web site with pictures of people allegedly involved in looting in the city.
NYPD reps did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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