Facebook

[KaiGywer]

Hey. Just wondering who all is on Facebook here. If you are, search for Kai E at MNSU and add me as a friend. :) Send me a PM here with your name, or your username as a PM on Facebook so I can connect the dots ;)

Those of you outside the US, don't worry :D

Those of you with no clue what I'm talking about,
www.facebook.com

[Tennsix]

I am on facebook but I use it as a investigative resource. I do not socialize on there.

[davis002]

I am on facebook but I use it as a investigative resource. I do not socialize on there.

How do you use it as an investigative resource? I can see someone using it to stalk that cute bartender that goes to the local college, but any real investigative purpose???, I don't see it. I'm a licensed private investigator, so feel free to cue me in on the secret ;)

[Tennsix]

I am a police officer at a major state university. Facebook is teaming with information-almost all of college students, faculty, staff. Photos, Phone numbers, Addresses, Friends, Hobbys, Intrests, etc. I have found it to be very useful in criminal investigations.

[davis002]

I am a police officer at a major state university. Facebook is teaming with information-almost all of college students, faculty, staff. Photos, Phone numbers, Addresses, Friends, Hobbys, Intrests, etc. I have found it to be very useful in criminal investigations.

I was aware you were a LEO, but I was not aware it was at a University. In which case I can agree with you that facebook can be a useful tool in your investigations. Innovative thinking, I extend my compliments.

[Tennsix]

I am finding that it is very useful when working with people 16-25 yrs old. In a college town, a lot of non-college people find their way on there too. I also enjoy the Facebook forums about the police-very entertaining :D

[Taser]

I can't tell you how many times I have used it while working security for a private university. Very useful indeed.

[mjw064]

Facebook is 1,000,000,000 times more informative than myspace.
And yes, I am on Facebook. It is a great social networking tool.

[CorpSec]

The problem that I run into most often is that the majority of people are now keeping their Facebooks private and will not add someone who is not a friend. The renders it basically useless.

I know that I will check for Facebook pages of potential hires. I believe that a lot of human resources departments do the same thing. Pictures of you passed out with your buddies stacking beer cups on you might be amusing to your friends, but it doesn't say much to a potential employer.

I have heard of other investigators using the social networking sites as an investigative tool.

[mjw064]

The problem that I run into most often is that the majority of people are now keeping their Facebooks private and will not add someone who is not a friend. The renders it basically useless.

I know that I will check for Facebook pages of potential hires. I believe that a lot of human resources departments do the same thing. Pictures of you passed out with your buddies stacking beer cups on you might be amusing to your friends, but it doesn't say much to a potential employer.

I have heard of other investigators using the social networking sites as an investigative tool.

It depends on your network too. For instance I am a Grad Student at GW, thus I can see the profile of basically anyone else on the GW network.

The "New Facebook" allows users to determine what individual other users can and cannot see though. It's because of people like CorpSec who use the photo's against us. And yeah, I might have some experience being on the wrong end of an investigation regarding photos which appeared on facebook ... imagine that.

[gixxer32404]

Facebook is 1,000,000,000 times more informative than myspace.
And yes, I am on Facebook. It is a great social networking tool.

I see very little info on facebook.On myspace I see their friends, status, age,location,and sometimes phone numbers. I see millions of pictures.

[SecTrainer]

Any social site where people choose to publish information about themselves is not only a perfectly legitimate source of information about them, but also many times about their employers and other organizations that they belong to and talk about. Ditto, blogs. A significant percentage of employers now use various Web search protocols to check on applicants, to monitor their corporate reputation, etc. Prosecutors use Web searches especially in the sentencing phase of trials, sometimes finding things that have caused the defendant to be treated much more harshly (yes, people bragging about their crime or showing photos/videos of themselves drunk at a party while awaiting sentencing on a DUI/vehicular homicide charge).

Of course, anything found by such methods must be independently verified because people also exaggerate, lie, distort, etc.

Moral: It's not terribly smart to post anything about yourself, your lifestyle or your work that you wouldn't want ANYONE from your mother to your boss to the police to a corporate spy to see.

Oh, and if you steal stuff don't fence it on Ebay or Craig's List.

[gixxer32404]

see my new thread about craigslist

[mjw064]

I see very little info on facebook.On myspace I see their friends, status, age,location,and sometimes phone numbers. I see millions of pictures.

Ok, all that and much more is on facebook. You must not be looking at the info page ... just the wall.

[dla4079]

Facebook and MySpace are ok, but too many wierdos on there...lol. There are only two "social networks" I am a part of:

PoliceLink (http://www.policelink.com/member/dla4079)

-and-

The Correctional Officer Network (http://correctionalofficernetwork.ning.com/profile/ChiefDonaldLarimore)

[Minneapolis Security]

Facebook and MySpace are ok, but too many wierdos on there...lol. There are only two "social networks" I am a part of:

PoliceLink (http://www.policelink.com/member/dla4079)

-and-

The Correctional Officer Network (http://correctionalofficernetwork.ning.com/profile/ChiefDonaldLarimore)

There are weirdos on there as well.

[CameraMan]

MySpace is an open network, so everyone can see everyone else's information. MySpace also seems to attract a dumber element, and so there is more useful information there.

On a personal level, I hate MySpace with a passion. Someone once asked me why I don't have a MySpace account. I find myself talking to that person less and less.

[TACTICAL 785]

See I think its stupid, the employers would do that. what business of it is there what you do with your friends on your off time. So what if you have pictures of you passed out and someone staking beers cups on you...

At least they know your a fun person...

[Black Caesar]

See I think its stupid, the employers would do that. what business of it is there what you do with your friends on your off time. So what if you have pictures of you passed out and someone staking beers cups on you...

At least they know your a fun person...

Depends on who you work for. Don't know how this works for private workers, but for public workers those social sites can be bad news. This was sent to everyone in my Department by the Chief.
------------------

http://www.lyongorsky.com/articles/art-apr2008.html

Articles

By Chris Livingston
Reprinted from “The Shield,” the official publication
of the Dallas Police Association
April 2008

FREE SPEECH, FACEBOOK, MYSPACE AND MY POLICE JOB

People will post just about anything on Facebook and MySpace. One of my favorites is this quote: “Don’t like the police…call a crack head the next time you need help!” One Texan posted this: “I’m not an alcoholic, I’m a drunkaholic.” Unfortunately for this Texas, he was involved in an injury accident and charged with DUI. The prosecutor’s job was all too easy once the jury saw the “drunkaholic” statement from his MySpace page. Yes, attorneys and employers are checking your page. And not just for articles like this one.

On February 28, 2008, Brady Lewis, a police dispatcher in Anderson, Indiana was placed on administrative leave because “profanity, racially charged words and language that might be offensive to woman” was found on his MySpace page. Lewis was also a reserve police officer in a neighboring town. He was immediately asked to turn in his badge. None of his comments directly involved his position as a police dispatcher or reserve officer, but both departments found his conduct “unbecoming.” Lewis claimed that he only meant the page for friends and had marked his profile as private. Furthermore, he asserted a First Amendment right to post humor on his page. Lewis’ appeals fell on deaf ears. The Chief of Police succinctly stated, “I was shocked a little bit [upon viewing the page]. It’s not my kind of humor.”

Police officers need to be aware of the fine line between protected speech and a statement that will send you to Internal Affairs; even an internet statement on MySpace or Facebook.

In Garcetti v. Ceballos, 126 S. Ct. 1951 (2006), the United States Supreme Court held that “when public employees make statements pursuant to their official duties, the employees are not speaking as citizens for First Amendment purposes, and the Constitution does not insulate their communications from employer discipline.” Under Garcetti, police officers’ complaints about working conditions or a supervisor is not protected speech. In fact, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld disciplinary action against a University of Texas employee because the “speech” the employee engaged in was nothing more than “a personal grievance about his wages.” These statements should not be made to the media and are best left off you’re my Space page – even if the page is marked private.

A famous Supreme Court Justice once stated that a police officer “may have a constitutional right to talk politics, but he has no constitutional right to be a policeman.” McAuliffe v. Mayor of New Bedford, 29 N.E. 517, 517 (Mass. 1892). Remember you have no constitutional right to be a police officer. When you post on the internet be yourself, but avoid obvious negatives. Do not post that Sergeant Blockhead and Mayor Gumby are idiots. Do not post that you hate your department or that you hate the citizen Kane. Also avoid posting sleazy or drunken photos; especially ones where anyone is even partly in uniform – your partner will thank you later. It may help to ask yourself whether you would want your mother, priest, pastor, son or daughter to see your site. You may not even want to admit homosexuality or extreme political or religious views. Instead, use your MySpace or Facebook page affirmatively to build visibility and credibility as an expert in police work or your hobby. Also consider joining more “serious” networking sites to help you in future job searches.

Remember your MySpace or Facebook page might be used against you.

__________________________________________________ ____________

Chris Livingston is an attorney with Lyon, Gorsky, Haring & Gilbert, L.L.P., 3131 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75204; 888/711-2583, website: LyonGorsky.com email Chris at clivingston@LyonGorsky.com.

[copelandamuffy]

How do you use it as an investigative resource? I can see someone using it to stalk that cute bartender that goes to the local college, but any real investigative purpose???, I don't see it. I'm a licensed private investigator, so feel free to cue me in on the secret ;)


Our bartender where the wife and I socialize is in his mid-fifties, could lose about 30 pounds, dumpy looking, going bald, and smokes cigars. He aint cute:)

[CameraMan]

I put nothing online that I wouldn't want to come out in a court of law. It's like the old saying, never write anything in a letter that you wouldn't want to see printed on the front page of the newspaper.

On the other hand, I'm both abrasive and congenitally honest (though I escape a punch in the mouth because I'm often funny). So, here's some quotes for the prosecution:

Many of my customers are dumb.

A small but disturbing minority of my customers are perverts.

I hate people who drive a Prius.

I think hippies should be smacked repeatedly with a rolled up newspaper.

Global warming... I'm against it. Except during the winter.

I like trans fats. Sometimes, I order a hamburger with fries and a Coke, and I ask for a little cup of trans fats on the side. I suck it up with a straw. Yummy.

I think we could legalize some of the weaker narcotics.

The punishment for an athlete caught using performance enhancing drugs? Immidiate reassignment to a balet troupe. They can return to the game after one season of preformances.

I like to drink alcohol sometimes.

I no longer smoke, but people who try to ban smoking need a swift kick in the nuts.

Everfocus sucks.

Bosch sucks.

Sony sucks.

On occasion, my language can get a little "blue". And by "on occasion" I mean "often" and by "blue" I mean "like a sailor with Tourrete's syndrome".

Some- hell, most Democrats are cool, but overall, liberals suck.

Also, most of the Angry Left regularly provide aid and comfort to the enemy in time of war and should be hung by the neck until dead. This country would be a better place.

Homosexuality is a sin... but so is working on the Sabbath. The government should never be in the business of legislating morality.

Red Sox suck.

Freedom of speech is awesome. Even when morons exercise it.

We should bring back capital punishment. And flogging. I draw the line at tars and feathers, though.

Soccer sucks.

I am not a racist or a bigot. I hate all morons equally. If you can do your job, I don't much care what you look like.

There, now I'll never get elected President.

[N. A. Corbier]

You are in a position of authority. You can, and will, be attacked before clients, corporations, courts of civil law, and even courts of criminal law based on your character or lack of.

You go and shoot someone in lawful self-defense. Next thing you know, the state is pulling up myspace photos of you with enough firepower to destroy the Earth and nice little comments about how you want to shoot people.

Obviously, this is an attack on character to prove that you were gunning to kill.

It gets worse.

A client is shown photos of you being a complete failure at life by the "nice family you're tormenting." Your character is in question now.

Even worse is when the client or company is shown photos of you engaging in unsafe or unlawful activities. Guess what? You're a liability.

If nothing else, you are stupid enough to post things for the entire world to see without thought. What else, btw, will you post?

[Chucky]

And yeah, I might have some experience being on the wrong end of an investigation regarding photos which appeared on facebook ... imagine that.

Oh mjw I forgot to tell you . Chris Hansen from Dateline called and wanted me to ask you if you would give him a call regarding the above. Thanks

[SoCal Public Safety]

I agree social networking sites can be a great way to find out info on people. I usually do a search on prospective new hires.

On a side note, I'm not sure about elsewhere in the country, but the local PDs around here ask for your login info when you're in background for an LEO job. They even have the website administrators bring up archives of anything you recently deleted, just to make sure you didn't "clean house" once you went into background. :rolleyes:

I don't know, I guess it's a nice way to keep in touch with old friends, but again, there are A LOT of wierdos on there...

[securitypro]

How do you use it as an investigative resource? I can see someone using it to stalk that cute bartender that goes to the local college, but any real investigative purpose???, I don't see it. I'm a licensed private investigator, so feel free to cue me in on the secret ;)

Where are you licensed as a private investigator?

[gixxer32404]

See I think its stupid, the employers would do that. what business of it is there what you do with your friends on your off time. So what if you have pictures of you passed out and someone staking beers cups on you...

At least they know your a fun person...

You are joking right???? The employer has the right to hire who they wish. If you have comments that you hate this certain race.You are listed as homosexual.You have pics of your self drinking with friends and minors. You have pics of you and your 4 foot marijuanna plants. You think the employer shouldn't use all available resources to make sure you are a proper fit????

A lady here posted on craigslist that she was an employer. And that if they search your email through myspace and discover you are are homo, racist, with a drug problem,u won't get the job lol.

[sgtnewby]

Myspace seems to be more informative.

I am on Myspace. I only have one friend that is on facebook, the rest are on myspace. I don't know if that makes me a loser with few friends or what...:confused:

[sgtnewby]

MySpace is an open network, so everyone can see everyone else's information. MySpace also seems to attract a dumber element, and so there is more useful information there.

On a personal level, I hate MySpace with a passion. Someone once asked me why I don't have a MySpace account. I find myself talking to that person less and less.

1. My page is set to private, so there is some level of privacy.

2. I resemble that remark...:eek:

3. I have come across a lot of old friends on Myspace.

[CorpSec]

Myspace can be just as private as Facebook. I have found the Facebook is more for the college aged and older crowd. Heck, I have run across a lot of people that I work with on Facebook that are in their 40's, 50's, and even a couple in their 60's. A lot of the professional folks at my work have Facebook pages, including a Senior Vice President in his early 60's.

I would say that Myspace is more for the teeny bopper crowd up to colleged aged. Of course, there are some older people on Myspace too.

[Act 235 Agent]

I have a facebook its a ok site more people on there then myspace though

[mjw064]

Oh mjw I forgot to tell you . Chris Hansen from Dateline called and wanted me to ask you if you would give him a call regarding the above. Thanks

It wasn't those types of pics. It was pics of me at a party.

[stangtattoo]

When Myspace first began it was in the top ten of sites that were easily hackable. Now they have added extra measures of security such as captcha ,name birthdate ,etc to be able to post coments etc. Not only are there those simple updates but the mainframe has also been updated to prevent hacking into the Myspace database to obtain member indentification. Myspace is not only for teeny boppers but many celebrities ,artist ,and American "heroes" also use Myspace as a means ,and a good one ,to reach their fans in a semi personal way. Myspace has also been used for the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan to communicate with their loved ones over a "secure" means of contact ,something Facebook cannot boast.;)

[JB diligence]

Interesting thread!

I am on face book. I keep my privacy setting fairly high i.e. friends of friends may view my profile, but I can't be found by "searching" unless there is software that can do such (which there in no doubt in my mind is, though I don't know about it). I post little if anything regarding my job and don't have my address and phone/cell numbers posted (try the phonebook). I wouldn't post pics of embarrassing situations because I don't allow them to happen in the first place.

I can see FB as an investigation tool for sure! Providing that your target has little personal security concern or concept of such, and if there is or are software and or programs available that can breach the subjects privacy settings then it indeed FB IS a great Intel tool, for both sides. We need to remember that we must not ever underestimate our subject OR enemies capabilities (known or unknown) as they may be gathering Intel on us as well, where we work, who for and so on, for whatever reason. For the singles in the group, it may also be beneficial that the "secret admirer can see that we are indeed single yet that to can have it's down falls" :rolleyes:.

As far as potential employers be it LE agencies or otherwise, looking at face book for Intel on some one, I see it as fair game just like anyone else checking out your profile. What better reference tool really. So lets face it (pardon the pun), we made our profile freely to GIVE information to people. If you have an issue with that then A. upgrade your privacy settings or, B. Get off Face book, simple as that.

Cheers!

[davis002]

Where are you licensed as a private investigator?

Prior to working in private security, I was a private investigator for a licensed firm in the metro area. Does that answer your question?

[officerchick]

I know I'm dragging up a fairly old thread, but I wondered who on here is on facebook. I've only recently started using it, and have the privacy settings set fairly high. If anyone else is on, though, and would like to be in touch, send me a pm.

[Maelstrom]

Not me... I believe people are sharing way too much information over the web these days :(

[officerchick]

I'm careful what I share, and have it locked pretty tightly. Overall, though, I agree with you.

[EMTGuard]

I am not on facebook but I have a myspace account which I have just very basic info posted and haven't been to it in months.