I work with a client, a 25-year veteran of law enforcement, who is really gung-ho about social media… except for the personal part. “I don’t want to get personal,” he tells me. “I’m a cop. We don’t get personal.” Trust me, I get that. I can’t understand it the way career cops do, but I’ve…
Author Archives: Christa Miller
Nixle adds stability to Tyrone, GA tweets
When I first read articles about Nixle, I was concerned. Yes, it’s secure and stable, and that alone makes it a vastly better way to broadcast information than using Twitter. But the key word is “broadcast.” Social media enthusiasts are quick to point out that “it’s all about the relationship.” Communication is a two-way street;…
In Fairfield, California, My #1 Friend is a Cop
More police departments are starting to develop presences in social network spaces. They ask for help locating suspects, tell community members about department-sponsored events, and interact via comments and messages. They may also drive traffic to a main Web site or warn citizens of nearby emergencies. Many of these pages resemble the “cop on the…
Train for the cameras
American Police Beat’s recent blog about police pursuits (authored by Sgt. Timothy Long) caught my eye because of this passage: For the viewer, a police pursuit is a real-time drama with an unknown outcome…. But what if you are the one engaged in the pursuit? You and your decision-making capabilities are playing out for the…
Guest blog: No more excuses
Awhile back I asked for guest bloggers, and tonight I’m pleased to offer the first: Brandon Perkins, chief of police in Tyrone, GA (not far from Atlanta). Brandon and I connected on (guess where?) Twitter (he’s @brandonperkins), and he blogs at Chief Daddy, where this originally appeared. No More Excuses If one were to ask…
Big Brother vs. public safety
In a previous post I questioned the value of a Twittering police department not following its followers back. The response from @ShawneePD (actually the city of Shawnee, Oklahoma‘s Chief Information Officer, Stephen Nolen): most followers deem it too “Big Brother.” Point well made. Especially in light of this article from the U.K. Overwhelmingly positive in…