Facebook makes change that concerns local police and government agencies

Big changes are coming to your Facebook newsfeed and it involves cutting down police presence.

Last year, the Clovis Police Department's number one Facebook post was a picture of a missing child. This post ultimately helped officers find the teen. Now, police are worried Facebook will limit that power.

To get a sense of what's going on in the City of Clovis you need look no further than the police department's Facebook page.

Ty Wood monitors the account but is bracing for a rapid decline in engagement.

"There's a definite change, we've seen a drop over time, even though we just hit our 40,000 follower mark on Facebook," Wood said.

Facebook is altering the algorithm that runs your news feed showing users more posts from friends and family, rather than brands and businesses. Police departments fall into the latter category and already some have run into problems trying to send out alerts.

Those who follow Clovis PD on Facebook say family interactions are important but public safety announcements are also critical and should take precedence too.

The social media site has made algorithm changes in the past. Police departments are hoping this adjustment is not final, the tool is too valuable to lose.

In the meantime, the department's trying to adapt by posting through other apps. Making sure this change is not a roadblock, but just a speedbump.