MPD to combat misinformation on social media

This month’s Coffee with the Chief will focus on using the department’s crime-data system to address concern over the amount of misinformation circulating in social media networks throughout the city, said Maricopa Police Department spokesman Ricky Alvarado.

Police Chief Steve Stahl will take questions on crime and public safety issues from the audience, and then there will be a training session how to use CrimeReports.com, Alvarado said.

The data system replaced the department’s old blotter system in 2012 and gives real-time analysis and maps out recent crimes. This allows users to better predict when, where and what types crimes are occurring in Maricopa.

The coffee begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday in the police administration building at 39675 W. Civic Center Plaza, off White and Parker Road next to the city hall.