By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—The Hoover Police Department website has a new look. Launched on April 16, Hooverpd.com offers important information and tools in a easy-to-navigate format.

“We wanted a new, more modern, fresher look for our website,” Hoover Police Capt. Gregg Rector said of the redesign.

The website lists contact information for the department’s command staff, giving citizens “instant access” to important phone numbers and email addresses, Rector explained. Visitors can also report suspicious activity and tips to the department through the website.

A list of local sex offenders and their mug shots can be found under the “community” tab on the website. With just one click, visitors can view information about each offender, including address and charges.

Individuals wanted by the Hoover Police Department will be listed under the “Hoover’s Most Wanted” section, a new feature of the website.

“This will be a place where we’ll place our misdemeanor warrants,” Rector explained.

The Hoover Police Department has increased its use of the Internet and social media to publicize information about wanted criminals and big arrests, with great results, Rector said. The department currently operates a Twitter account with more than 5,000 followers and a Facebook page with nearly 10,000 likes.

“It’s amazing, maybe in the last one to two years, we’ve started using social media more. The results that have been provided have been amazing,” Rector said, explaining the posts have generated increased awareness and tips from the public and led to more arrests. “(Social media has) become huge, and we’re trying to get the most benefit out of it.”

The new Hoover Police Department website is linked to both the department’s Facebook page and Twitter account. The website’s homepage displays a live feed of the department’s latest tweets.