NCJ Number
250838
Date Published
2013
Length
1 page
Annotation
After reviewing the forms and tools of social media, this fact sheet discusses how social media differs from traditional media, its relevance for the work of law enforcement agencies, and the features of a law enforcement agency's social media strategy.
Abstract
"Social media" is defined as an "integrated technology that allows users to generate their own content and then share that content through various connections." There are many social media tools available, with most involving little or no cost. They include blogs, social networking sites, photo- and video-sharing sites, and podcasts. Social media differs from traditional media in enabling the immediate communication of information with interactive exchanges among users and contact with audiences previously difficult to reach with traditional media. Law enforcement agencies can benefit from these distinctive features of social media for various functions, including photo- and video-sharing, recent news, public safety alerts, and educational information. Before venturing into the field of social media, however, law enforcement agencies must develop a policy and strategy for the agency's goals, performance measures, tools, and resources required for an effective use of social media. An outline for the content of a social media policy and strategy for a law enforcement agency is provided.