One announcement was echoed yesterday almost as frequently as the one about Birmingham’s ranking in the Forbes traffic list – news that the city’s police department was joining the worlds of Twitter and Facebook to help keep citizens informed about crime trends in their communities. The department’s expanded use of Citizen Observer, a web-based product also used by Homewood Police, will also allow folks to keep up to date with ongoing investigations as well by allowing citizens to sign up for alerts.

People can submit text tips to Crime Stoppers by texting TIPBPD and your tip to TIP411 (847411) or by texting 7777 and your tip to CRIMES (274637).

They also have created both a Twitter account, @BhamPolice, and a fan page on Facebook (which has been active since January 12) to assist with the sharing of this information. While you’re checking out these new online locations for the department you may also want to check out the department’s new website.

Poster: Courtesy of Birmingham Police Department