#9PMReminder

GONZALES — A new hashtag is gaining momentum in Gonzales. A “hashtag” is a word or phrase preceded by a hash mark (#) used within a message on social media websites to identify a keyword or topic of interest and to help facilitate a search for it. Some may know the widely used #GonzalesTX which links Gonzales events and the people enjoying them. Outside of #GonzalesTX, there are endless amounts of hashtags. Just try one: #9PMRoutine or #9PMreminder, for example.

Gonzales Police Department is on the hashtag bandwagon, using the above #9PMRoutine play from the Pasco County, Fla. Sheriff’s playbook.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office participates in the A&E Series LIVE PD, where camera crews and producers ride along and follow law enforcement and transmit police situations in real time. One of Pasco County’s routines is to send out a hashtag at 9 p.m., reminding residents to lock up their possessions.

Gonzales City Police Chief Tim Crow said his is just a friendly reminder to our community to lock up their houses, cars, toolboxes, or anything one would not want left open or unlocked.

“Let’s all make it difficult for someone to get our stuff,” Crow said.

Crow has taken the police department online with social media posts. He recently told Gonzales City Council the department’s Twitter presence (@Gonzales_Police) has nearly doubled in the last couple of weeks, from close to 400, to close to 800 followers. The PD also touts a Facebook following (City of Gonzales Police Department) nearing 5,000 likes.

One post shared on Wednesday, Feb. 21 reads:

“It doesn't matter if your truck is red, white or blue...when 9PM rolls around it's time to check ‘em all...trucks, cars, doors, and windows, all need locking up for the night. Don't let thieves just walk up and take it! #9PMRoutine#9PMReminder”

Crow said Gonzales PD is dedicated to the safety and well being of local residents and social media allows law enforcement to make a personal connection with the community.

“We want to make a positive connection in the community we are in,” Crow said.