NORWICH – The New York State Police are banking more on social media for the public’s help in capturing wanted individuals.

Starting this month, the New York State Police will be using Facebook to assist them in catching wanted individuals. Each Wednesday, the organization will post wanted posters to its Facebook page in hopes of getting a lead to the whereabouts of potentially dangerous individuals who have arrest and bench warrants against them from around the state.

According to the State Police, “Warrant Wednesday,” will help them track down some of the state’s most serious offenders.

“We are hoping that this will allow us to educate the public on certain people we are looking for,” explained Trooper Nathan Riegal, public information officer for NYS Troop C in Norwich. “It’s something people show a general interest in, and we believe it will really help us.”

Each Facebook posting will include a poster of a wanted individual by the New York State Police, along with information about the subject, charges they face, and a contact number for the appropriate State Police station. Photos will also be uploaded to the “photo album” of the State Police Facebook page.

While use of Facebook and other forms of social media are nothing new to law enforcement, Riegal said posting actual wanted posters of individuals is.

“Facebook has worked well for us in the past in helping us to find someone we are looking for. So, we decided to expand on that tool a little further,” he said.