“We are so happy to have hit the 5000 fan mark on Facebook,” said Major Tim Presley, who maintains the department’s site. “We will continue to strive for improvement and excellence in keeping our fans informed.”

The Facebook page includes news about the department, as well as listings of the daily arrest reports. Interaction is also a large part of the OBPD’s Facebook page, and gives area residents the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the department.

Recently, a fan commented on the number of Olive Branch Police Department and DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department officers at the Dodge’s Store in Olive Branch. Without knowing all the details, the reader questioned why there was so much activity over what appeared to be a routine traffic stop.

“That driver stopped at the Dodge Store was under the influence (and) had also just fired several shots with a .45 caliber pistol in the area of the City Park entrance on Goodman Road,” Presley wrote in the department’s response on Facebook. “It was unknown at the time of the stop what his intentions were with this firearm.

“Yes, it was very sad that someone would do something like this,” he continued. “If we have to send several cars to make sure our citizens are protected, we will do it.”