Law enforcement using social media to track protests

Law enforcement using social media to track protests

Law enforcement agencies in north alabama are using social media to make sure everyone stays safe during protests.

Waay 31's casey albritton is live with how police say it's helping them monitor the community.

Casey?

Here at the morgan county sheriff's office, officials tell me they keep track of social media, like facebook, to find out where large crowds are going to gather-- they say their main goal is to keep the peace.

Mike swafford/ morgan county sheriff's office "as a sheriff's office, we support people's first amendment right to assemble peacefully."

Morgan county sheriff officer, mike swafford tells me he's been keeping an eye on social media.

"just to make sure that it goes as smoothly as everyone wants it to go."

He says when people post on social media about protests happening, police can plan ahead.

"we look into why are we getting this, what is the event about, where is the location at, and what is expected to come from it."

Swafford says police just want to be aware of what's happening-- like they did about a peaceful protest at the decatur courthouse on sunday.

"because we knew about it, we were able to work with the organizers to ensure that they could do what they wanted to do."

Swafford tells me the sheriff's office welcome's the opportunity to protest.

"we're thankful that we've done it in a way that really keeps the message at the center of it.

Not violence, not destruction.

Because the message is being communicated, we can do something with it."

Swafford tells me if they are aware of a large crowd gathering, they will send some officers to that location to make sure nothing dangerous happens.

Live in decatur, casey albritton, waay