Murrieta Police Launch Facebook, Twitter, Text Alerts

Social media will be used for the first time by the Saturday for the city's largest annual event, the Murrieta Birthday Bash.

Murrieta police have launched Facebook, Twitter and Nixle, which they will use in an effort to disseminate information quickly and interact with the public, it was announced Thursday.

The runs from 2 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 30 at 40600 California Oaks Road.

Anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 people typically attend the event, said Murrieta police Lt. Rob Firmes, who will be managing the Police Department's social media that day.

"The Murrieta Police Department is making an effort to harness the power of social media, both web-based and mobile based technologies, to interact with the public we serve," Firmes said, in a news release.

"The plan is to continue to use this technology to enhance public safety, interact with the community and market both city and Police Department events."

Information regarding the Birthday Bash, including an event flier with details and locations for performances, will be posted on Facebook at Facebook.com/murrietapd.

Real-time updates regarding traffic or public safety issues such as missing persons will be posted through Facebook and linked to Twitter as well, Firmes said.

"We are hoping to utilize it for critical information; every year we always have a few lost children, or say there is a large accident on California Oaks Road and traffic is affected—our hope is to put that out on social media," Firmes said.

The community can also view photos of the event that will be posted on the Facebook page, he said.

Text-based posts through Twitter regarding traffic and public safety at the event will be posted through the Police Department's Twitter page at Twitter.com/murrietapd.

Additionally, the Police Department is utilizing Nixle, a communication system that connects residents with local public safety agencies.

Residents can use Nixle to receive information ranging from critical alerts to community news. These alerts can be received by SMS text message, email, over the Internet or by mobile application.

For Nixle alerts during the Birthday Bash, text "birthday" to 888777.

Nixle information can also be accessed by going to Nixle.com.

Signs reminding residents about Nixle will be placed around the event, Firmes said.

Any questions about the Police Department's use of this social media technology can be directed to Lt. Rob Firmes at 951-461-6315 or Lt. Tony Conrad at 461-6309.