The first tweet from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department was simply an invitation to join them on Twitter.

Friday the police department became a member of one of the most popular social networking services in the world.

Captain Andy Jackson said the department will use the service as part of its community policing efforts. "We have joined Twitter to give our department the ability to send out important messages and crime alerts to the public."

Using the social networking tool will allow the police department to do things like send out be on the lookout notifications directly from crime scenes. "We can let the public know important things like streets which are blocked off and road closings."

The police department will use the tool to send out messages on scams and frauds, Jackson said. "Twitter can help us with recruitment needs, getting the word out on openings."

Jackson said the police department will use the service for posting summer safety tips. "Depending on how this goes, it may lead to other options."