Local Law Enforcement and how crucial information is distributed via social media.

 

         As some of you may have discovered from my two truths and a lie discussion, I've revealed my line of work as an Officer for two different suburban Police Departments.   Over the course of my employment I've noticed a dramatic change of what "tune" both departments carried in regards to our method of deliverance of critical information to the residents of the village.   I think it's a fair assumption that today's world heavily depends on the internet and an array of social media websites for world fair and by Police Department's utilizing these sites, is valuable.  That being said, Facebook and both Twitter have both been exceptionally helpful with how our local governments relay information to the public, particularly in emergency situations.

         Currently, both Police Departments utilize Facebook as an application to distribute information to the residents such as; weather warnings, road closures, lost/found pets, crime watches, home invasion warnings, wanted person’s descriptions, village events and much more.  Now, given the current negative reflection some officers have created for themselves in the media, upon creation of the Police Department Facebook, we expected the possibility of it playing the role of a double edge sword.   Fortunately, we've found that the residents of both villages have not only responded in a positive light but have left many heartwarming thank you posts to our officers.  To the officer's beliefs, by the department implementing a social media site, not only was our agency able to distribute crucial information when appropriate but we were able to connect to people on an entirely different level.   By this I am referring to the generation gap and how cumbersome it can be to have an older "seasoned" Police Officer truly relate and communicate to today's youth and that is by speaking their language, social media.

         Thus far, the implementation of Police Department Facebook has been not only successful for relaying of information, but more importantly, we've watched a community come together when crisis arises, all by simply contributing to a Facebook post.  Watching a crime become solved due to followers being more inclined to be forthcoming with information and tips as their identity can be withheld, is a truly remarkable occurrence.    The world is an ever changing place and how we approach those changes will also be forever changing.  In relation to our reading, local Law Enforcement agencies utilizing social media is just as Parallel to how Mike Conklin describes how resourceful Twitter is to aspiring journalists.  Mike Conklin discusses how Twitter can be a valuable asset and how it's allowing for journalists to have an in depth connection with their audience and I believe that this theory is applicable to Law Enforcement agencies nationwide, also.   Both Police Departments constantly strive to maintain a good rapport with the town civilians and by incorporating social media into how we communicate has significantly helped strengthen that rapport.