In an effort to better connect and engage with the local public and news media, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office today is launching an official Twitter account, acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park announced Monday.
The account, @UCPONJ, is live now, and will be managed by Prosecutor’s Office Director of Communications Mark Spivey.
“Transparency and accountability are two ideals I have strived to make hallmarks of my administration, and being active on social media is a great way to provide both,” Park said. “We believe that taking this step will offer an unprecedented insider’s look at who we are and what we do on behalf of the public we serve.”
Starting this week and continuing into March, details will be shared via Twitter regarding new initiatives being implemented to combat the opiate and opioid abuse epidemic affecting Union County, including regularly scheduled public dissemination of pertinent data.
Also expected to be shared via the @UCPONJ Twitter handle are press releases, public statements, emergency alerts, notifications of public speaking engagements by staff, and regularly produced publications such as annual reports, along with announcements regarding new hires, retirements, and promotions within the Office. Using the hashtag #gettoknowUCPO, there will also be periodic posts highlighting individual staff members and the roles they serve for the Office. Basic background information about new investigations into certain breaking criminal matters will also be shared on Twitter prior to a press release with more detailed information being posted later on.
The Prosecutor’s Office is joining eight municipal police departments in Union County already active on Twitter: the Berkeley Heights Police Department (@BHPOLICE), Cranford Police Department (@CranfordPD), Garwood Police Department (@GarwoodPD), Hillside Police Department (@HillsidePD), Linden Police Department (@Linden_PD), Rahway Police Department (@RahwayPolice), Roselle Police Department (@RosellePoliceNJ), and Roselle Park Police Department (@RoselleParkPD).