By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Pelham Police Department officials said they are using a popular social media website to share information ranging from unsolved crimes to charity fundraisers.

The department launched its page on Facebook.com in early March, and has since used it to quickly spread information about theft incidents, job openings and sex offender registrations, said department administrative assistant Jennifer Smith.

“Social media is one of the easiest ways to communicate with our citizens,” Smith said. “We have already been able to share a wealth of information on our Facebook page already.”

Smith said the Facebook page allows department officials to post up-to-date information related to crimes and police department events.

One of the first images posted on the page involved an unsolved theft case from the Pelham Walmart store. The image, which was captured by the store’s surveillance cameras, depicts a white male wearing blue jeans, a black jacket and a white hat walking out of the store.

“Anything we need the public’s help with, we can put it up on the Facebook page,” Smith said.

The department also has been using the site to announce and spread information about events, such as the upcoming Philip Davis Memorial Golf Tournament and an ongoing rib sale to benefit Special Olympics.

Information and photos of sex offenders registered in Pelham have been posted, as well as information about a recent dispatcher position job opening. In the future, the department will use the page to distribute breaking news and other “important information and events,” Smith said.

As of March 26, the page had more than 200 “likes.” To view the page, visit Facebook.com and search for “Pelham, Alabama Police Department.”

Although Smith said the new Facebook page will help Pelham residents communicate with law enforcement personnel, she said the site “absolutely will not replace 911.”

“In case of emergency, you should still always call 911,” Smith said. “Facebook doesn’t replace 911. We are just bringing it in as another way for Pelham residents to connect with their police department.”