Social Media a Key Tool in Fighting Crime

Yakima Police say social media has become one of the most important investigative tools available today.

Capt. Rod Light says one of the first things detectives check for information is things like Facebook and Twitter because they are full of all kinds of personal information. He says it was much different just 5 to 10 years ago.

"We had to go out and dig deep for the evidence and the information we were looking for. Now much of what we're looking for is a keystroke on a keyboard away."

Light says think about what you have on your Facebook page; personal information and pictures of friends and maybe even cars you drive. This is valuable information for investigators looking for clues on criminal suspects.

Light says much of the information they are looking for comes straight from the suspects wanted in the specific case.