POLICE EQUIPMENT NEWS SENIOR MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY FACEBOOK TIPS ADVERTISER INDEX PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT


Enhancing Your Department’s Social Media Presence


Content is key.


Content is key – a phrase that reigns true across various platforms, online being no exception. Parts I and II of the Facebook/Social Media and Law Enforcement article gave readers the insight into how social media can be a unique resource for law enforcement agencies, as well as a step-by- step guide for Facebook Page setup. And while having a Facebook Page and understanding its usefulness is important, creating engaging content and demonstrating a presence is essential for establishing an online voice and benefi ting from the usefulness of social networking.


Content is the catalyst for audience engagement and online pres- ence. Audiences online are subject to immediate and rapidly updating information. In order to stay relevant and stand alone as a resource, departments need to establish a means by which to connect with their communities. Building relationships with other local businesses and news stations that have a social footprint is a good way to develop a greater reach within the community. Posting daily photos, videos, pertinent community information will provide a resource tool. Utilizing social media to connect and create awareness among a community may seem much different from using social media for in- vestigative purposes. However, the two ‘purposes’ coincide greatly. Online campaigns that have caught on such as “Wanted Wednes- days” (where those suspected of committing a crime are posted online) or “Beyond the Badge” (which features law enforcement par- ticipating in events and engagements outside of their offi cial police duties) have both created a call to action from the community to keep their neighborhoods safer through participation and helpful activism and also humanized local law enforcement as citizens of those same communities. Police departments such as the Sarasota (Fla.) Police Department have implemented both campaigns on their Facebook Page (See Resources). They post multiple times throughout the day, giving their community a resource to view rapidly disseminated in- formation, which in turn can be very helpful and they also connect and engage with non-emergency related information. The Boston Police Department utilized the power of social media when they asked spectators near the fi nish line of the Boston Mara- thon course in 2013 to send in photos taken of runners in an effort to assist in the investigation of the Boston Marathon Bombings. The photos that poured in via Facebook and Twitter aided the police. Recently, the Omaha (Neb.) Police Department used their Face- book Page to honor fallen offi cer, Offi cer Kerrie Orozco. The revere


Resources:


http://www.wjla.com/articles/2014/08/-wantedwednesday-dmv-police-departments-use-social-media-to-help-catch-criminals-106063.html Sarasota PD: https://www.facebook.com/SarasotaPoliceDepartment?fref=ts Omaha PD: https://www.facebook.com/OmahaPoliceDepartment


62 LAW and ORDER I June 2015 By Kathryn Murnik


POSITIVE POLICE PR VIDEOS Social networks also provide a great platform for promoting


1. Matthew McConaughey Spoof - http://youtu.be/kQqMZ3Ap2XQ 2. Skater Kids - http://youtu.be/Os7uYJpsw0s 3. Taylor Swift Police Offi cer - http://youtu.be/8XFBUM8dMqw 4. Hip Hop Cops - http://youtu.be/jatkYH3mDtQ


5. Police Offi cer Caught on Camera Dancing - http://youtu.be/h3lclZIf3sI


6. $100 Wrapped in Ticket - http://youtu.be/8g3BWsNik0E


7. Police Offi cer Gives Boots to Homeless Man - http://youtu.be/JorEw_75Yg0


8. AZ Offi cer Gives Boy Ride Home and a Bike - http://youtu.be/UYQ8daueVKg


9. Police Offi cer Gives Dad Ride to Hospital - http://youtu.be/a6G-5M3mSI4


10. 12 Random Acts of Kindness - http://youtu.be/o19E7peIsHE


11. Firefi ghters mowing heart attack victim’s lawn - http://youtu.be/GTA6VPstEs8


12. San Diego “Homeless Outreach Program” - http://youtu.be/9cGCT-9_rAU


and respect that was shown for the fallen offi cer garnered national media attention—largely due to the infl ux of posts via social media. Creating a presence on social media opens a department up to scrutiny and negative commentary as well. Therein lies the im- portance of having a dedicated staff member(s) to continuously update and respond accordingly. Having guidelines and rules for postings and interaction is pertinent to continued growth and offi cer and community safety. Police departments that connect with their communities and give their audiences a resource for in- formation will see the benefi ts of social media as a policing tool.


Kathryn Murnik is the Director of Interactive Media for Hendon Media Group. She can be reached at kmurnik@hendonpub.com.


LaO Post your comments on this story by visiting www.lawandordermag.com


positive public relations campaigns. Far too often, we hear only the negative side of law enforcement from the media. Stories of law enforcement offi cials aiding the community, partaking in fundraisers, or interacting with the community in a positive way are overlooked. Below are 10 positive PR stories that showcase, promote and humanize law enforcement personnel.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68