Police Department Facebook Page Makes it Debut

Borough residents have yet another way to keep up with the latest news from the Madison Police Department now that the department has launched its new Facebook page.

The page debuted Oct. 14 and joined the department’s Twitter account and Nixle messaging system.

“Nixle is now allowing us to synchronize all three,” explains Patrolman Chad Rybka. “That way we give people a few options to know what’s going on.”

“It also allows us to communicate more of news about other things the police are involved in and not arrests. It gives us a forum to share things that we normally aren’t able to share with the public,” he adds.

Among those are some of the department’s historic pictures which residents may only be able to see if they visit the department or current events in which the department participates.

In addition, the department shared on its Facebook page that, during the storm, Madison Police received 238 9-11 calls, 2,463 non-emergency calls and dispatched emergency units to 503 requests for service.

Since Saturday’s snowstorm, the department gained more than 700 new Nixle subscribers, largely due to word of mouth, Rybka reports.

“We’re very excited about that and the Facebook page and hope that, in light of such an event as over the last couple of days, people are realizing how important it is to be connected to the rest of the community,” he says.

To sign up for Nixle alerts, visit www.nixle.com and follow the steps to register. Anyone who needs assistance registering should contact Patrolman Rybka at rybkac@mpd.rosenet.org.