something IS unusual here- me logging on and offering a direct line of communication! the reason that the idea is so "unusual" is because it rarely, if ever, happens!

Something in my gut tells me that there is more to this than there appears to be. Why would the POLICE post under an alias?

It could just be someone seeking to collect the reward money . . .

I am a Juvenile Probation Officer who covers the NE section of the city.
I think it is a very helpful and I know an easy way to verify he is who he says he is ( I will post back here upon doing so).
If a mod wants to verify who I am simply send me a PM and I'll provide you wth of means of doing so.

sure there is- but, do you know what officer takes that information? do you know that once that information is reported and disseminated (if ever) the chances of YOU being able to contact someone directly (who is familiar with the case) are just about zero?

if you choose not to take advantage of this opportunity, so be it.

its not like im looking to strong-arm people here

REWARD MONEY?? for what?? the only time ive ever seen 'reward money' offered is in abductions and homicides- and im not in homicide.

should i change my screen name to "POLICE"?

I find it difficult to believe that your supervisors would have given their approval for you to post such a message.

1: The Police already have crime tips numbers and web-based crime reporting tools on their web site. They also regularly list "most wanted" photos, and related contact numbers, in newspapers.

2: How can the public know that they are actually dealing with the POLICE when they respond to a blind alias--one that has just been registered as a PhillyBlog user? This opens the door for all sorts of phishing schemes from others, who would try to impersonate the police to obtain information.

Anyone here could just as easily set up a new alias and request information. Who would know whether it was legitimate or not?

Even if you ARE who you purport to be, this practice is ill-advised, because it will spawn copycats.

I respectfully disagree. I think it is a great idea if he is who he says he is.

Let me ask you a two direct questions

1: What is your name and badge number?

2: Have your supervisors been made privy to the fact that that you have solicited information in this way, and have they approved of it?

I think MyNorthwood.net might be guilty of something...