by Justin Schweiner
Every day in this country, police officers risk their lives to protect and serve the individuals in their communities. Unfortunately police officers today have been branded with negative stereotypes that result in animosity towards them. While the vast majority of officers do not fit these foolish stereotypes, many people today still find themselves wary of their local officers.
In recent years, police departments have realized this and are making efforts to seem more “human” to their local communities. With the use of social media, police departments around America are connecting with their communities like never before. Police departments are now finding fun and creative ways to connect with the individuals of their local communities.
Here are some tidbits taken from police departments across America that show how they are connecting with their local communities:
Recognize Your Followers
The Grand Chute Police Department likes to connect with their community by referring to them as “Facebook Faithful.” This shows that they are willing to build a relationship with their community.
Showing Your “Human” Side
Officers in the Miami Police Department like to celebrate birthdays just like the kids, and are not afraid to show it! This shows the “human” side of officers and that they are just people like the individuals in their communities.
Interacting With Your Community
A police officer’s duty is to serve and protect the individuals in their community. Many officers also have a commitment to help out their community in many different ways. The Madison Police Department enjoys taking a break by helping this citizen with a flat tire.
Have Fun!
Being an officer is a serious job. Every day, our men and women in blue go into work not knowing what the day is going to bring. It’s important to remember that at the end of the day we are all human. The best way to show this is to have a little fun once in a while like this:
Creative Activities
It’s important that officers are not only interacting with their community but finding fun and creative ways to do so. This shows a different side of them that many people don’t get to see. The NYPD did this by hosting a virtual DJ Battle. The Miami Police Department also got into the mix by hosting PAL Week where they had different activities for the community during the week.
As you can see there are many ways for our police officers to use social media to their advantage. In this digital age, it’s pretty much required, and with today’s technology, the possibilities are endless. All you need is a little bit of creativity, humor, and humbleness. Stay safe, and God bless.