Richmond Police started its own Facebook page about 2 years ago.
Since then, officials say the information that's been left on their page by the citizens has resulted in many cases being solved.
Earlier this week, Richmond's Wal-Mart was the scene of a purse snatching.
But police needed help identifying the woman who was the alleged purse thief.
"We posted that video footage to our departmental Facebook page," says Chief Larry Brock.
Shortly thereafter, Police found and arrested 23-year-old Chasity Thomas after received several tips posted to their page.
Chief Brock says social media is playing a larger role in many investigations.
"We get tips all the times on those offenses. It's helped us solve so many crimes. It's just a great link to the community for us," Brock adds.
In fact, the Chief says his office now now gets more Facebook tips than phone tips.
One Richmond resident says he thinks the overwhelming response is because of the instant nature of social media.
"If you have a phone system, you have one operator that's on that phone or if it's a recording someone has to listen to all those tips. Where a Facebook recording, any officer that's in an area could check or keep track of what's hitting their site," says Otto Rieck.
Fellow resident Shawn Gentry says he's glad police have found a way to use the internet to help keep him safe.
"I think it's a good tip they're using because social media is actually for something good. A lot of times Facebook can do a lot of negative things to people. Rumors... secrets, but now their using it as a positive to put criminals behind bars."
Other law enforcement agencies are jumping into the social networking game.
The Franklin County and Laurel County Sheriff's Departments are just a few that have pages now.
The Lexington Police Department doesn't have a Facebook page yet, but officials say they are working to have one soon.
