Its Twitter feed has been successful so now the Roanoke Rapids Police Department is diving deeper into social media, opening a Facebook page today.

“We’ve had such success on Twitter by being able to reach out to the public, that in this fast-paced society where a lot of people are spending time using the tools available — iPads, phones, computers, laptops — the world is more electronic,” said Captain Andy Jackson. “To keep up with the trend the police department decided to expand by using Facebook as a tool to reach the public.”

Jackson said the police department will use the page to post informational topics such as crime prevention and storm preparedness tips. “We’ll probably be discussing things like the most dangerous intersections and how to make them safer.”

The police department plans to post information like where officers are running radar. “It gives them a forewarning,” Jackson said. “If you speed and get caught after being forewarned it kind of puts accountability on the person behind the wheel.”

The page will include community-related articles. “What we’re trying to do is being as positive as we can be.”

While the page is open to comments, Jackson said the police department wants them to be constructive and free of cursing and racial epithets.

Roanoke Rapids studied other law enforcement pages before deciding to launch its own Facebook page.

Jackson said the police department’s Twitter feed has grown to 198 followers. “We’re hoping our ability and popularity will expand that number of followers on Facebook.”