The value of social media for law enforcement

The bottom line for encouraging community engagement is communication, specifically opening the lines of communication to allow for a two-way dialog. Social media offers an avenue to engage community members to a degree that has not been possible before.

Many cities and towns are successfully using social media within their police departments for both investigative purposes and community engagement.

There are numerous free or inexpensive social media tools available, and new ones appear almost regularly. What social media platforms should you have. Should you have a profile on Facebook, NextDoor or Twitter.

The actual tool used in not that important. In fact, it should be last item on the list of decisions that need to be made. It is more important to determine why you want to use the tools, who you want to reach, what resources are available to sustain the initiative and how will you know if you have succeeded in meeting your goals. Once these questions have been answered, it is time to pick the right tool for the job.

Microblogs (Twitter, Nixle, Citizen Observer)

Police departments are using microblog services like Twitter to issue breaking news, dispel rumors, host tweet-alongs and answer questions directly from the public. Encourage the media to follow your account for alerts. Tip: Have Twitter designate your account as an authentic government Twitter account. Verified accounts are designated by a blue verified badge on the account's profile. Twitter does not accept requests for verification from the general public. 

Video sharing (Facebook Live, Twitter Live, Periscope)

Using an Ipad or even a smart phone, officials can share audio and video from events, press conferences or media interviews.. 

Networking 

Facebook is the name that first comes to mind when thinking about social networks, but there are a host of others, depending on what you are trying to do and who you are trying to reach. LinkedIn, a professional network, is better suited for recruitment purposes than information about a Crime Watch meeting. 

The number of adults using social networks is up to 72 percent, and police departments are using these networks to share relevant information and encourage two-way communication. 

The International Association of Chiefs of Police maintains a website that serves as a clearinghouse of social media information to help officers integrate social media tools into their daily operations.

The site shares best practices, offers model policies and procedures and provides concise explanations of the tools and their potential uses. 

Either way agencies should be also receiving training in the use of social media for their agencies, but also for the individual personnel so that they don’t end up in a policy violation or potentially embarrassing situation for their agency.