Detective Joe Murray of PPD’s Southwest Detectives Division with his father at a recent family wedding (Photo provided by Det. Murray)

Use Twitter? Then you know Detective Joseph Murray of the Southwest Detectives Division (or at least you should).

Det. Murray, known around West Philly as “The Tweeting Cop,” began using message boards in 2006 as a way to connect with the community he serves. That social media engagement evolved into Twitter three years later, when the 33-year-old detective opened an account under the (retired) handle, @TheFuzz9143. Now tweeting under @PPDJoeMurray, Det. Murray updates West Philadelphians about crime, missing (and sometimes then found) pets, and even his favorite Pearl Jam album—while also opening the digital floor for tips and feedback—on a near-daily basis.

But Det. Murray’s community involvement doesn’t stop with the computer screen. Well aware that his position with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is considered a “desk job,” the third generation police officer makes a concerted effort to also have a physical presence, whether it’s through cruising West Philly in his car, buying coffee at Green Line or Rival Brothers, popping into a few local businesses for a quick hello, or checking up on old complaints he’s received. “It’s up to me to engage people so I try to do my best,” Murray, who was promoted to detective in 2005 at 25-years-old, wrote to West Philly Local in an email.

And his efforts are noticed by the city at large. This September, Det. Murray, along with 52 other emergency responders (including Southwest colleague Lt. John Walker), received an Award of Valor from the National Liberty Museum for his valiant work nearly 14 years on the force—which includes closing the 2011 triple shooting at Lorena’s Grocery Store on the 800 block of North 50^th Street. The shooting, which resulted in the deaths of siblings Porfirio and Lina Nunez, and Porfirio’s wife Carmen—employees of Lorena’s Grocery Store—is one of Murray’s recent cases that he finds most heartbreaking among the “far too many.”

“A family from the Dominican Republic was assassinated for no reason. A robbery with nothing taken,” Det. Murray wrote to West Philly Local. “That gets my blood pressure up even typing it now. There was satisfaction when we caught the killers but that does not bring the family back.”

For Det. Murray, the cases that “help everyone involved”, though, balance the distressing ones like the 2011 triple murder. And he’s especially encouraged when he never sees a person he’s booked or their name again. “I have come across thousands of people as a detective. A lot of times I see them a few years down the line working in a restaurant or at a store. That makes you feel good to see,” he wrote.

West Philly Local had a chance to chat with Det. Murray about being honored by the National Liberty Museum, his love for West Philly, the importance of engaging the community, and—of course—donuts.

West Philly Local: Firstly, what was your reaction to receiving the Award of Valor?

Detective Joe Murray: I definitely felt honored to be chosen by the National Liberty Museum to receive the honor. I have a weird outlook on awards. I certainly appreciate being recognized but I don’t base my career on how many accolades I receive. The best feeling is when you get to call the victims and tell them that you caught the person who hurt them. There really isn’t anything better.

WPL: As a detective, how would you describe West Philly?

JM: I am biased. I think West Philly is a great neighborhood to live in mainly because everybody tries. [Its] cultural make-up is unrivaled when it comes to diversity. The universities, community groups and police work together as seamlessly as I have seen anywhere. The neighbors look out for each other. The food is awesome. We live in a huge city so of course there will be crime. Is it unsafe? No. West Philadelphia has some of the best police officers you will find anywhere—whether it’s [University of Pennsylvania], Drexel [University], SEPTA, [PPD] 18^th District, or UCD [University City District]. The community groups I have contact with do an incredible job keeping me informed of little things I may miss sitting behind a desk. There are neighborhoods in this city that could really benefit by following the lead of West Philly residents.

WPL: You’re one of the first and few officers to use social media to connect with the community and keep the community updated on crime/events–even earning you the nickname “The tweeting cop.” What pushed you to use social media in this way?

JM: It isn’t anything more than common sense. I don’t claim to be some revolutionary who solves crime using the Internet. I just give people an avenue to reach me personally. I hope that being out there and available shows people that I care and that I am someone to trust when they need the police. I have met some really incredible people since introducing myself and they have helped me catch some bad guys. That’s what it’s all about.

WPL: Why do you feel social media is an effective tool in connecting the community and the PPD?

JM: I think it’s a trust issue. People see through the facade if you jump on Twitter and claim to want to help without showing what your motives are. Don’t just expect people to email you tips because you’re a cop. Show them that you care. Show them that you want to help. Do your job or get a new one. I think the PPD Twitter account is successful because it actually works. When you make a complaint and it’s handled, you gain credibility. That’s what the PPD has done.

WPL: How has using Twitter changed your relationship with the community?

JM: I think it has helped dramatically. Let’s be real, if you are meeting me things probably aren’t going well for you. You’re either the victim of a crime or are being arrested. With Twitter, I have the opportunity to meet people on different terms. It is fun.

WPL: How have you seen the community change over the years?

JM: There is more involvement from what I can tell. Maybe social media has something to do with it. I don’t know. It seems like everyone knows each other now. There are some people (whose names I won’t mention but they know who they are) that have stepped up in the community and have taken charge. They see a problem and instead of sitting back, they take control and organize neighbors to act. What more could you ask for? So in my opinion the neighborhood has improved dramatically.

WPL: What do you think about Federal Donuts opening a location in West Philly?

JM: I think it’s great. I love the place obviously and think it will do amazing business. It’s a great shop with great people running it.

WPL: When you judged Federal Donuts, how many cop and donut jokes did you hear? Were they bothersome or all in good fun?

JM: It’s all in good fun. I refuse to take a donut joke seriously. As cops we work long hours. Court all day and work all night. We need coffee to get by so of course we will be in the donut shops. Now that FedNuts is coming to West Philly, I will do nothing to dispel the stereotype. Seriously though, it’s awesome to see the businesses coming to our neighborhood. It’s a tribute to the residents that business owners have faith to come in and set up shop.

–Annamarya Scaccia