It's a list most people don't want to be on, but sharing it via social media is helping the Grand Forks Police Department nab suspects.
The law enforcement agency started posting its top five most wanted on its Facebook page in early December. Since then, the lists have generated tips from the public and have resulted in several arrests, Lt. Derik Zimmel said.
"It's one of those things we looked at it and said, 'Why not have more eyes aware that we are looking for these folks?'" he said.
The posters are put on Facebook every Friday and feature suspects with outstanding warrants and a wide range of charges-from indecent exposure to theft to delivery of controlled substances. The first list that was posted Dec. 8 has been shared about 150 times on Facebook.
"It's not necessarily the most serious cases, but it might be things that are current that are on our radar now," he said.
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The Police Department lists had been shared with other law enforcement agencies in the region before it went social, Zimmel said. It's one way the Police Department has used social media to connect with the public.
"We've always been fairly interactive with the public," he said. "We're a fairly open agency and certainly transparent. We view our partnership with the community with a great deal of value."
The Police Department doesn't track how many people are arrested as a result of receiving tips from the most wanted posters, Zimmel said, but he feels sharing the list with the public has been a success.
"It's a good thing for all, I think," he said
Those with information on a suspect shown on the posters should either call 911 or the Grand Forks Police Department at (701) 787-8000. Tips also can be submitted via the Tip411 app, atgrandforksgov.com/government/police or by messaging the Police Department on its Facebook page.
The department advised against residents approaching or attempting to apprehend the suspects themselves.
The Herald plans to publish the most wanted list on Mondays at grandforksherald.com.
