Social Media And Community Policing

The media plays a pivotal role in how the public looks and communicates with law enforcement. Given the world we live in today, it unlikely that a person does not have access to a computer or smart phone. Departments can use social media to their advantage, specifically social media. For example, departments can operate a facebook page and post any news of concern as it relates to law enforcement, positive police-public interactions (i.e. social event, feel-good story) or new ordinances/passing of new laws (Department of Justice). In addition, departments can also use social media to clear up any misunderstanding or false reporting that has occurred. Programs like crimestoppers are also useful, as it provides the community the opportunity to report on crime or suspect crime anonymously. The third component of community policing, as described by the Department of Justice, is problem solving (Department of Justice). From a law enforcement perspective, …show more content…
The Provo Police Department in Provo, Utah has seen positive effects due to implementing community-based policing. Some of the reasons for the positive change are that the department has included community policing community-wide (Pugmire). For example, every few weeks "police officers, probation and parole officers, victim 's advocates, prosecuting attorneys, and other stakeholders" hold a meeting where they discuss community problems and recent crime trends (Pugmire). The Provo P.D. has used community policing to develop goals, emphasize problem solving, develop partnerships, and focus on ways to prevent crime (Pugmire). Chief Rick Gregory believes this has led to increased public confidence, as officers are recognizant of community problems and direct their patrols towards areas of increased crime (Pugmire). This has led to reduced calls for service at the same address(s)