ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN CRIME DETECTION AND CONTROL IN NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

For better or worse, the Internet has become an integral part of life for most Americans. On the negative side, interconnectivity has spawned new breeds of crime, such as cyber stalking and phishing, causing new headaches for law enforcement, who must remain a step ahead of today’s tech-savvy criminals. On the other hand, the increasing sophistication and improved integration of social media have also created unparalleled opportunities for law enforcement agencies to connect with their communities in innovative new ways.

A September 2010 International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) survey revealed that 81 percent of law enforcement agencies interviewed now use social media. However, while 62 percent report using tools such as Facebook to aid in criminal investigations, fewer than half acknowledge using social media for crime prevention. Many experts believe the social media sphere holds enormous potential for law enforcement crime prevention units and groups such as Neighborhood Watch. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, “… [W]ith law enforcement personnel being strained by budget cuts and the struggling economy keeping us at home more often, embracing online networks as prevention tools may help us form a deeper connection with our neighbors and local law enforcement while helping to prevent crime.”

The Effects Of Social Media On National Security. They finds out that Social media is a new prodigy that has captured the attention of many people especially, youths. Its quick access to information and ability to create a quick link between and among people, and promote relationships and businesses far and near serves as an added advantage, which has attracted many users. However, the advantages social media affords has and continue to be misapplied by some malicious individuals such as terrorists and criminals. These individuals use this medium to perpetrate various types of crimes. Most importantly, their actions post severe threats to national security.