PORT ANGELES — Facebook users will soon be able to “fan” three city of Port Angeles departments.
After the City Council adopted a social media policy this week, the Police Department, Economic and Community Development Department and Recreation Division have been given the go-ahead to start their own Facebook pages to better communicate with Port Angeles’ Internet-savvy residents.
Deputy Chief Brian Smith, who is setting up the page for the Police Department, said he should have it launched next week.
The police will use the page to post alerts and news releases, he said.
No comments will be allowed.
“We don’t have time to maintain postings,” Smith said.
“What I want them [Facebook users] to do is be able to find us,” he added.
The Economic and Community Development Department will use a page to post information about major projects, such as the waterfront development plan, said assistant planner Roberta Korcz.
Korcz said it hasn’t been determined when that page will be launched or whether comments will be allowed.
“We haven’t developed a plan of action yet in our department,” she said.
Richard Bonine, recreation services manager, said it’s also unknown when his division’s page will be made.
City Manager Kent Myers told the City Council that the city may expand its Facebook presence after six months.
Port Angeles is not the first public agency on the North Olympic Peninsula to embrace social media.
There are Facebook “fan” pages for Clallam County, the Clallam County Courthouse, Clallam County parks, the Clallam County Public Utility District, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office and the Clallam County Auditor’s Office.
