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DeKalb Police Initiate 'I've Got Your Back' Campaign, Social Media Responds

In light of recent violence toward random victims and police officers, the DeKalb police department wants the community to know about the "I've Got Your Back" campaign. It didn't take long for the Facebook universe to respond. As as 9/3/15, the Facebook post on the campaign had nearly 1,000 shares and 1,400 "likes."

According to a social media release, the department says "Though we would never ask our citizens to intentionally place themselves in harm’s way, we know that many of you would like to be helpful and show your support of law enforcement."  It suggests:

• Report suspicious activity when you see it, being as descriptive as possible when you call in. Though tips can still be received anonymously, leaving a callback number will help us if we need to reach you for more information.
• While emergencies or crimes in progress should be called in through 911, our non-emergency number is 815-748-8400. Please select option #1 for our police dispatch center if you are calling about suspicious activity or crime tips on the non-emergency line.
• Keep an eye on officers when you see them engaged in their duties. Even more importantly, scan the area and alert them of a dangerous situation if you see something that perhaps they don’t. Call 911 if you see they need more help.
• If a police officer lives in your neighborhood, feel free to introduce yourself if you haven’t met, and offer to help keep an eye on their house and property. This is a good policy for all your neighbors, by the way.

Jenna Dooley has spent her professional career in public radio. She is a graduate of Northern Illinois University and the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois - Springfield. She returned to Northern Public Radio in DeKalb after several years hosting Morning Edition at WUIS-FM in Springfield. She is a former "Newsfinder of the Year" from the Illinois Associated Press and recipient of NIU's Donald R. Grubb Journalism Alumni Award. She is an active member of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and an adjunct instructor at NIU.