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ADVANCEMENTS IN TECH
An officer changed a tire for a Texas woman stuck on the side of the road. A deputy in Michigan found a missing dog, and brought him back to the station to care for him personally until the owners were located. An off-duty officer from Colorado purchased food and clothing for a woman and child in need, out of pocket.
These instances demonstrate the essence of the law enforcement profession. We are taught to protect and serve, in whatever form that may take. We are inspired to give back in order to create a more cohesive community. The many acts of kindness performed by officers deserve to be recognized and praised, however they generally do not make news headlines. But this is a situation law enforcement officials are starting to change personally through technology, and in particular, social media. Social media is one of the most effective ways to spotlight these community policing stories and promote transparency and trust within the community.
Social media. Who's using it?
Ten years ago, just 7 percent of the U.S. population used one or more social media platforms. Now, 76 percent of Americans who have access to the Internet utilize social media sites. In addition to the sheer number of people using social, there's also an emerging trend where an increasing number are seeking out news information via social media. A 2016 Pew Research Center study found the majority of U.S. adults (62 percent) get their news from social media, with 18 percent responding that they do so often.
In the law enforcement sphere, activity on social media is not a new phenomenon, but more law enforcement officials are considering it now more than ever before. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 2015 Social...