Milton Police Issue Snapchat Alert For Parents

MILTON, GA -- The Milton Police Department is informing parents about a new location feature unveiled within the last week in the popular Snapchat app.

The new feature, know as Snap Map, tracks your current location and places the user's avatar on the map. The feature can pinpoint the user's exact location down to the street where the user made his or her's last post, the police department said.

You don't have to be friends with that person in order to access their location information -- unless you take steps to limit how that information is shared, Milton police note. The setting options include "Only Me (Ghost Mode)," "My Friends," and "Select Friends."

Milton police recommend parents and guardians ensure minors in their care using Snapchat turn on the Ghost Mode in the app.

"Children are some of our most vulnerable residents, and they're often the most trusting, and this can put them at risk," said Milton Police Chief Rich Austin. "We don't want to discourage the use of social media altogether, but we want to help ensure that our adults and children are informed users."

Here's step-by-step instructions for entering Ghost Mode:

• If you're opening Snapchat for the first time after the update, you are automatically prompted to go step-by-step setting your preference (Only Me/Ghost Mode, My Friends, or Selects Friends).
• If the app was previously opened after the update, you will not be prompted and you will need to open Snap Map using Steps 2-6 below.

2. Open the Snapchat app. Your camera feature should automatically open. If not, open chat and launch your camera. You should see whatever you are pointing your phone's camera at on the screen.

3. In the middle of the screen, pinch your thumb and index finger, closing them together. This opens the Snap Map and you will see your avatar (icon) located on the map. (See screenshot below.)

4. Click on Settings (wheel-looking icon in the top) to open your Settings menu for location sharing. (See screenshot below.)

5. Turn on Ghost Mode. (See screenshot below.)

6. Close the Snapchat app.

The police department is available for community and group presentations regarding this and other crime prevention tips. Interested neighborhoods, civic and other groups can email PDinfo@cityofmiltonga.us to schedule their community presentation.

Image via Shutterstock