Ask GMP during 12- hour Twitter day

Greater Manchester Police now has more than 20,000 followers on Twitter

Greater Manchester Police is giving people an extra present this Christmas – a day to tweet questions about policing and tackling crime.

From 7am until 7pm on Thursday 22 December people can ask questions about all aspects policing in their county using the social networking site, Twitter.

For one day only, Twitter followers will have unique access to a team of policing experts who will answer any questions sent using #askGMP, including questions about policing over Christmas and keeping safe during the festive period.

Following on from the successful GMP 24 day in 2010, where GMP tweeted every incident to happen within a 24 hour period, the #askGMP day is another opportunity for members of the public to get an insight into policing and also receive some timely crime prevention advice as Christmas approaches.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “This day will be an ideal time to ask for advice or information from GMP. You may be wondering about the type of incidents police officers will be dealing with during the festivities, or how to look after the Christmas present you are hoping to receive. Any questions that you have always wanted to ask the police, now is your opportunity.

“Since GMP 24, we have continued to use Twitter and other social media for interaction with residents and we regularly receive questions from the public – it is because of this demand for information that we thought this day would be useful.

“Simply tag any question with #askGMP and it will be picked up by the team and then make sure you look out for a response.”

People wanting to take a look can view the questions and answers at twitter.com/gmpolice, at gmp.police.uk, or follow the hashtag #askGMP on Twitter.