NCJ Number
239857
Date Published
2012
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This paper describes the process and results of the Johnson County (Kansas) Sheriff's use of social media for a seamless flow of information to the public and other criminal justice professionals.
Abstract
The author, who is the public information officer of the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, advises that implementing social media programming should be approached in a holistic manner that includes input from the entire agency, related agencies, and the public. Social media thus provides a platform for communication to the public without any filter. The public can then provide feedback and ask questions they might otherwise have had no opportunity or means to express. Social media can be used to tell the story of what a day in the jail looks like. The only equipment needed is a smart phone that has a camera, video camera, and Internet connection. A public information officer or other trusted employee should be assigned to take video and photos of staff (not inmates) working in the facility, talking about what they do, and why they work there. Upload the videos to YouTube and the photos to "Flickr." Then share the videos and photos on Facebook and Twitter, accompanied by a posting with a few words about what people are seeing. Conversations with inmates are possible after their consent and possibly their attorneys' approval. Jail equipment, programs, or services paid for by the taxpayers should be featured. Through social media, jails and law enforcement activities can be viewed as they are rarely seen by the public. This also encourages the Sheriff's Office to perform its duties in such a way that public support and trust is enhanced. Internet and social media addresses for the Johnson County Sheriff's Office are provided.