Facebook and MySpace aren’t just for connecting with friends. Police are using these Web sites to catch criminals.

“I’m always amazed at what people put on [social Web sites],” said Sycamore Police Sgt. Steve Cook who works in the investigative department.

On Facebook and MySpace, users tend to post detailed information about themselves along with pictures and comments not always intended to be viewed by police.

For as long as social networking sites have been around, pictures of illegal activity such as underage drinking and drug use have appeared on profiles. Police are not ignoring them.

Cook said the police can use pictures of parties to look for witnesses to crimes that have been reported at a certain party. Profiles can also be used to identify a new suspect and get background information for an already chosen suspect, Cook said.

Just because a profile is blocked and is visible for only the user’s friends doesn’t mean police can’t use it. Cook said police can get a warrant or court order to see the profile if they believe it will help solve a crime.

Sgt. Bob Redel of the DeKalb Police Department also uses social networking Web sites to find criminal activity that can be found in posted photographs.

Redel said people brag about drugs, guns and being gang members on social networking Web sites.

Profiles can be used in a court case as evidence as long as the police are able to prove that it is authentic and not doctored, Redel said.

Don Thomas, Sycamore Chief of Police, said many Sycamore police officers know their way around the Internet and have their own accounts on social networking Web sites.

“We use every tool at our disposal,” Thomas said.

Police also use YouTube, a Web site where users can post videos, in similar ways. Thomas said they use any Web site where people are talking to each other.

While the DeKalb Police Department doesn’t regularly check YouTube, it uses videos when they are reported to have criminal activity.

Cook said the Internet and other technology has definitely been beneficial when it comes to solving crimes.

Technology may play an even larger role in the future. With bystanders more likely to document criminal activity with cell phones or digital cameras, Thomas said in the future, witnesses will be able to send pictures or videos directly to the police when reporting a crime.

They will also be able to post tips on YouTube, he added.

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