Social media has become a great tool in helping the Altona Police Service better communicate with the public. It's been one year since the agency launched Twitter and Facebook accounts and Chief Perry Batchelor says they've garnered nearly 1,000 followers in that time.

When asked why the department made the move to using social media platforms as part of its operations, Batchelor said "...It's the way of the future, you've just got to climb on board."

"I was a little apprehensive in the beginning I've got to admit, I'm not in to drama, we have enough drama that we don't have to create drama," he added, "But it's been very beneficial for us to get the word out quickly on things going on in our communities."

Batchelor outlines crime trends such as break-and-enters or tips for staying safe as just a few of the ways the Altona Police Service uses social media, adding the help of citizens in critical to police work.

"Through the public's help we've solved some of the crimes because they pick up on things on Facebook, they let us know what's going on and maybe which direction to follow. It's been very beneficial."

He reminds citizens that the social media accounts are not monitored 24/7 and emergencies should still be reported through the APS administration line 204-324-5353 or 9-1-1.