The 70th Precinct May Start a Facebook Page in 2013

The 70th Precinct is considering starting a Facebook page to improve communication between the community and police, said Captain James Palumbo at last night’s West Midwood Community Association meeting.

The precinct’s community affairs email list at 70PCTCommunityAffairs@nypd.org has been received positively as of late. The steady stream of emails was praised especially during Hurricane Sandy when the precinct kept neighbors informed and up to date on the dangerous and changing situations outside. At recent Community Board 14 meetings, neighbors lavished thanks on the precinct for the emails, saying that people from all over the northeast could hardly believe how communicative the 70th Precinct was during the emergency.

Facebook represents a step forward, said Captain Palumbo, and will keep more neighbors aware of important notes from the police.

The page won’t materialize for at least several months. The precinct has to receive permission from the New York Police Department, a process that involves red tape and uncertainty over just how much information the 70th is allowed to share.

How do you think the 70th Precinct can best communicate with the community?