SPD utilizes web and social media for transparency and information gathering

Chief Travis Koltiska and Captain Tom Ringley of the Sheridan Police Department appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to discuss transparency of the department and direct those interested to sources of information. 

When Koltiska became Chief of the SPD, he made the decision to implement a community policing culture, hire officers of high character that align with the values of Sheridan and make the department as transparent to the public as possible. 

Chief T. Koltiska

Through the use of their webpage and social media, the SPD can alert the public to crime activity, promotions and hirings within the department and show the residents the work of their officers. 

The department gathers and analyzes the activity in the city after each officer’s shift. The department then publishes that information for the public every night/day shift rotation of 56 days. 

Chief T. Koltiska

Ringley said often comments will be placed online by residents requesting information regarding various investigations. The SPD Captain said they are happy to give information that pertains to the safety or welfare of the public, but some information does not need to be public knowledge.

Capt. T. Ringley  

When officers have security photos or camera footage of an alleged perpetrator but no I.D., the department turns to the public for assistance in identification by publishing the photo on their Facebook page, often with positive results. 

To view the SPD webpage, click here. To follow the SPD and Fire Facebook page, click here.