SocialB has had the privilege to work with many police forces in our social-media training courses. We have been impressed at how quickly they grasped linking their organizational goals to their social strategies and how they are equipping their colleagues to embrace social media channels.
Social media as an extension of community policing
The UK’s police force and other agencies are using social media to inform and engage with their communities.
Social media’s most compelling forces have given their officers the tools and training to help them tweet, blog, and create videos. Local residents get to know their officers and are updated directly about community issues through appeals for witnesses or road closures caused by accidents.
A Sergeant and a PSCO were recently awarded for their social media activities. Saltash-based PSCO Kirsty Downs was awarded “Best Twittering PCSO” in December, while Sergeant Harry Tangye was awarded “Best Tweeting Servant”. Both tweet regularly and engage in meaningful conversations with their communities.
Through her tweets, PSCO Downs gives great insight into her work and can also break news about emerging incidents (crime to traffic reports).
Recently, Sgt Tangye started using Periscope to update his incidents. He is also open to responding to negative or troll-like comments, and does so with humor.
For just over a year, Sgt Tangye also blog, giving longer content and insight into the issues he faces in his job.
PC Conran, who has also been engaging in community policing via his Twitter account, has impressed us.
PC Alan Conran uses Twitter for public inquiries. He records a 30-second video from his phone to answer questions about why certain incidents require more police cars, and sometimes even a helicopter.
Its unique content is both informative and interesting.
Investigative role of social media
For their investigations, police forces are keen to use social media. Once an incident has occurred, social media can be used to inform and reassure people. You can also use it to communicate with your community in order to make witness appeals or request evidence. Some forces see their social media involvement as a critical factor in bringing about convictions.
The Boston Police Department used Twitter and Facebook to immediately update the public about the situation after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Bostonians were informed by posts on deaths, injuries, and road and transportation disruptions, which often contradicted media reports.
The Police and FBI used social media to obtain evidence. Users were encouraged to send photos and videos via Twitter and Facebook.
Public campaigns and raising awareness
Forces have also been able to collaborate with other agencies through social media on public campaigns. March 2016 saw Essex Police launch the “Know About Child Sexual Exploitation” campaign with safeguarding partners under the KnowAboutCSE hashtag.
The campaign was quickly picked up by forces across the UK who used simple images and messages to support the campaign. The Police’s quick adoption of social media has impressed us greatly. They have used it to engage with their communities effectively.