The police department in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina not only schooled us all on how to use social media with impact but scored huge points with residents all over the state by posting reports about the "Ham on the Lam" to the department Facebook Page.
The first post let residents who were heading out to "bring home the bacon" know that they should keep an eye out for the wily porcine runaway:
You know you've seen everything when....
If you think you may have seen a pig (black with white spots) on Old...
Posted by Fuquay-Varina Police Department on Tuesday, February 2, 2016
With the ham still on the lam the next morning, an update was issued as the saga continued on:
And when you think it can't get any better....
The Notorious P I G had a big night galavanting around Town and was...
Posted by Fuquay-Varina Police Department on Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Later that day the newly anointed roaming celebrity was caught by a local family and safely ensconced at the local Animal Shelter:
Update on the Pig Saga. After a long day and night of exploring our beautiful Town, Notorious P I G found a friendly...
Posted by Fuquay-Varina Police Department on Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Hundreds of shares and comments on the posts show how much local residents connect with the department through Facebook. Concerns for the fate of the pig were mixed with pig jokes and expressions of appreciation for the lighthearted updates.
"This is an ongoing effort to actively engage with the Town of Fuquay-Varina community to enhance communication and build partnerships." said Chief Laura Fahnestock who is responsible for the Pig Saga posts. " Social media is a tool to reach audiences that law enforcement did not have access to previously. By using positive stories, such as a loose pig in town that may present a traffic hazard, we are able to weave humor with safety information. Each post can be used to share a teachable moment. I consider social media an opportunity to humanize the badge as well as inform. If we can do it in a way that brings a smile to someone and keep the community safe, it is a win-win for the organization."
In addition to the pig saga, the Fuquary-Varina Police Department page boasts other entertaining posts, like a light saber wielding groundhog and funny memes with a purpose.
"We have received an overwhelmingly positive response since beginning our Facebook page on September 1, 2015 and I am excited to actively pursue future opportunities to enhance police-community partnerships within the fantastic Town of Fuquay-Varina. We are a "dash" more!" Chief Fahnestock added.
Well Chief, it's working. In a time when social media is often used to incite a rift between the police force and the citizens they protect, the Fuquary-Varina NC police department is a model for bringing us all back together.
Keep going "whole hog!"