Comments on: Social media presence: official, personal, and/or professional? http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/ Branding police work via social media Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:05:16 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Christa Miller http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1292 Christa Miller Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:27:39 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1292 Yes please do keep me posted, Chris! Interesting point about interagency communication; haven't seen too much of that, but it is one reason why I try to mention names in my blog -- so readers have a contact point if they want it -- and also why I'm thrilled to see more comments here, because there's only so far I (a civilian) can take the discussion; the real work can only be done between cops and agencies. Good luck, and thank you! Yes please do keep me posted, Chris! Interesting point about interagency communication; haven’t seen too much of that, but it is one reason why I try to mention names in my blog — so readers have a contact point if they want it — and also why I’m thrilled to see more comments here, because there’s only so far I (a civilian) can take the discussion; the real work can only be done between cops and agencies. Good luck, and thank you!

]]> By: Chris aka da_BiGKahuna http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1291 Chris aka da_BiGKahuna Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:59:13 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1291 Aloha Christa, 1st off, great input from Scott! I really like what he is doing and it runs parallel with what I'm doing here in Hawaii. I think the one advantage here is that we have an 'island community' where everybody pretty much knows everybody. You talk about 'six degrees of separation', here it is usually about three, or two if you know the right person ;) That being said, everybody needs to work with each other , especially between different law enforcement agencies. Same goes for 'our' relationships with the community, including the criminal elements. Because of my lengthy and extensive LE experience and "retired" status, I'm in a position not be handcuffed by bureaucratic red tape, politics, and PC. Anyways, I strongly agree with what Scott and you cited about training and education for the officers AND the admin. In fact, I am currently in the 'talking phase' with HPD in planning a conference here in Honolulu with what Scott mentioned in post #14. I'm hoping to open it not only to Hawaii based LE, but to our mainland brothers & sisters. I will keep you posted. Mahalos! Aloha Christa,
1st off, great input from Scott! I really like what he is doing and it runs parallel with what I’m doing here in Hawaii. I think the one advantage here is that we have an ‘island community’ where everybody pretty much knows everybody. You talk about ‘six degrees of separation’, here it is usually about three, or two if you know the right person ;)
That being said, everybody needs to work with each other , especially between different law enforcement agencies. Same goes for ‘our’ relationships with the community, including the criminal elements.
Because of my lengthy and extensive LE experience and “retired” status, I’m in a position not be handcuffed by bureaucratic red tape, politics, and PC.
Anyways, I strongly agree with what Scott and you cited about training and education for the officers AND the admin. In fact, I am currently in the ‘talking phase’ with HPD in planning a conference here in Honolulu with what Scott mentioned in post #14.
I’m hoping to open it not only to Hawaii based LE, but to our mainland brothers & sisters.
I will keep you posted.
Mahalos!

]]> By: Christa Miller http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1289 Christa Miller Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:28:55 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1289 Scott, it's awesome that you're getting so much out of this discussion. So am I! I read the OSRO training manual -- thanks for that link! A couple of things stood out to me: First, "...always strive to have a healthy two way dialogue with the youth about their Internet postings." A few months ago, <a href="http://cops2point0.com/2009/08/13/why-cops-shouldnt-use-social-networking/" rel="nofollow">the concern was raised here</a> that students' inappropriate postings could have a negative impact on SROs. But you imply that as long as SROs are actively talking with the students about their photos and words, that is less of an issue, yes? I noticed too that you show, in your discussion of risk factors for violence, how social networking are not new indicators -- simply a different channel for old indicators. At that point, if you want parents and administrators along with students to be true partners, you'd have to educate them on recognizing those risk factors, yes? Not taking them less seriously because "everyone vents" online? Finally, it's my understanding that often cops who don't deal directly with youth, or with anyone who is regularly online, don't take social media seriously. They view it as "too fluffy" and "not serious police work." Your document starts to show how it IS serious police work; how else are you working to show police the benefit to them of staying current? Scott, it’s awesome that you’re getting so much out of this discussion. So am I!

I read the OSRO training manual — thanks for that link! A couple of things stood out to me:

First, “…always strive to have a healthy two way dialogue with the youth about their Internet postings.” A few months ago, the concern was raised here that students’ inappropriate postings could have a negative impact on SROs. But you imply that as long as SROs are actively talking with the students about their photos and words, that is less of an issue, yes?

I noticed too that you show, in your discussion of risk factors for violence, how social networking are not new indicators — simply a different channel for old indicators. At that point, if you want parents and administrators along with students to be true partners, you’d have to educate them on recognizing those risk factors, yes? Not taking them less seriously because “everyone vents” online?

Finally, it’s my understanding that often cops who don’t deal directly with youth, or with anyone who is regularly online, don’t take social media seriously. They view it as “too fluffy” and “not serious police work.” Your document starts to show how it IS serious police work; how else are you working to show police the benefit to them of staying current?

]]> By: Scott Mills http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1287 Scott Mills Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:18:07 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1287 Hey Christa... you are right on with your comments... Tim and I have extensive police experience that is a blend of investigative, street, community .. and both have travelled as cops in the world of traditional media.. it is a blend of experience that is unique ... but does exist.. our challenge is to get more officers with this experience to have the mandate that we have with social media (we have 'self created' those mandates to try to demonstrate the value to others.. and it seems to be working... but it is very slow... so.. how do we help others to figure it out ? I think we need to have the following: 1. official Service policy and mandate to utilize social media to prevent and solve crimes 2. 1/2 day 'Social Media 101 For Law Enforcement' Course that focus on 'relationships+technology' 3. Peer mentoring program that works similar to a 'field training officer' (FTO) for social media use One such policy that I was honored to author is included in the Ontario School Resource Officer Training Manual (OSRO) and is posted in the documents section of http://InternetViolencePrevention.com - the entire OSRO Training Manual is available online for law enformcement personnel at http://OPCOnline.ca (the Ontario Police College) website. Anyone .. LE or community member is welcome to contact me for more info .. or an informal 'road map' by e-mail: scotmills@gmail.com Thnx for your responses Christa.. it helps me keep perspective on all of this to read your comments. .-= Scott Mills´s last blog ..<a href="http://internetviolenceprevention.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:speaking-in-toronto&catid=34:news&Itemid=1" rel="nofollow">Presentation Posted</a> =-. Hey Christa… you are right on with your comments… Tim and I have extensive police experience that is a blend of investigative, street, community .. and both have travelled as cops in the world of traditional media.. it is a blend of experience that is unique … but does exist.. our challenge is to get more officers with this experience to have the mandate that we have with social media (we have ‘self created’ those mandates to try to demonstrate the value to others.. and it seems to be working… but it is very slow… so.. how do we help others to figure it out ? I think we need to have the following:

1. official Service policy and mandate to utilize social media to prevent and solve crimes
2. 1/2 day ‘Social Media 101 For Law Enforcement’ Course that focus on ‘relationships+technology’
3. Peer mentoring program that works similar to a ‘field training officer’ (FTO) for social media use

One such policy that I was honored to author is included in the Ontario School Resource Officer Training Manual (OSRO) and is posted in the documents section of http://InternetViolencePrevention.com – the entire OSRO Training Manual is available online for law enformcement personnel at http://OPCOnline.ca (the Ontario Police College) website.

Anyone .. LE or community member is welcome to contact me for more info .. or an informal ‘road map’ by e-mail: scotmills@gmail.com

Thnx for your responses Christa.. it helps me keep perspective on all of this to read your comments.
Scott Mills´s last blog ..Presentation Posted My ComLuv Profile

]]> By: Christa Miller http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1286 Christa Miller Sun, 20 Dec 2009 01:05:17 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1286 You packed a lot of ideas in there, Scott, ones that ultimately come back to the original points in the post. First there's the concept of being able to reach a "huge fan base... very quickly" and then there's "relationships and technology." The first idea appears to imply "broadcasting," but the second shows the clear need for trust -- police need to be able to trust their followers with information, and likewise followers need to trust police to know what to do with the tips they provide. Which comes back to official vs. personal and professional... people may not need or want to know the whole person behind the uniform, but they DO need a clearer picture of who that person is, why they're doing what they're doing, why and how they can be trusted. Likewise police who need a clearer picture of their followers, their context in their community and why they care about working with police. So I think there are the practicalities of "scaling," as you point out... then there are the intangibles, the less practical, more subjective, fuzzier ideas about how to make those connections and build those relationships. I suspect folks like you and Tim "just know" how to do this intuitively... how might you go about helping other cops to figure it out without overthinking it? You packed a lot of ideas in there, Scott, ones that ultimately come back to the original points in the post. First there’s the concept of being able to reach a “huge fan base… very quickly” and then there’s “relationships and technology.” The first idea appears to imply “broadcasting,” but the second shows the clear need for trust — police need to be able to trust their followers with information, and likewise followers need to trust police to know what to do with the tips they provide.

Which comes back to official vs. personal and professional… people may not need or want to know the whole person behind the uniform, but they DO need a clearer picture of who that person is, why they’re doing what they’re doing, why and how they can be trusted. Likewise police who need a clearer picture of their followers, their context in their community and why they care about working with police.

So I think there are the practicalities of “scaling,” as you point out… then there are the intangibles, the less practical, more subjective, fuzzier ideas about how to make those connections and build those relationships. I suspect folks like you and Tim “just know” how to do this intuitively… how might you go about helping other cops to figure it out without overthinking it?

]]> By: Scott Mills http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1285 Scott Mills Sat, 19 Dec 2009 21:57:35 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1285 Christa... thnx for reading and posting back... the goal is to 'outsource' some of the online work - empower others to use this strategy .. to engage as many LE officers as possible to use SM as a part of their every day assignments where possible (there are some assignments that are not appropriate for use of SM or obvious reasons) -- the more officers using SM, then the more reach that the 'serve and protect' message gets ... I would like to maintain the youth outreach on the BMX and Graffiti themes... ... and get others to do the appeals for information ... and of course... follow their success.. and utilize my current 'fan base' to engage their messages... The real power of the use of SM for LE is being able to reach a huge fan base through the online contacts of many officers very quickly... for missing persons, traffic issues, major incidents such as evacuations etc... In order for this to work at maximum capacity.. policies need to be in place to encourage the use of popular social media tools that foster a following of law enforcement activities... "Relationships and Technology" is the best way to describe this.. the spin off effect is that you are alerted to incidents of concern like minor school yard bullying, fantasy or at risk stage gang activity, school shootings and a possible terrorist attack BEFORE the incident. I can't begin to tell you how much information comes my way from my contacts on social media.... Many crime victims feel included and informed during the investigative process due to the the SM connection .... Police everywhere need to use SM in a widespread way to PREVENT and solve crime... See comments of the Secretary General of Interpol - Mr. Ronald Noble ... made in Nov/08 in Johannesburg, South Africa .. in this media advisory from the Interpol website.. http://www.interpol.int/Public/ICPO/PressReleases/PR2008/PR200866.asp Anyone who needs some practical assistance with all of this.. feel free to contact me at scotmills@gmail.com .-= Scott Mills´s last blog ..<a href="http://internetviolenceprevention.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:speaking-in-toronto&catid=34:news&Itemid=1" rel="nofollow">Presentation Posted</a> =-. Christa… thnx for reading and posting back… the goal is to ‘outsource’ some of the online work – empower others to use this strategy .. to engage as many LE officers as possible to use SM as a part of their every day assignments where possible (there are some assignments that are not appropriate for use of SM or obvious reasons) — the more officers using SM, then the more reach that the ‘serve and protect’ message gets … I would like to maintain the youth outreach on the BMX and Graffiti themes… … and get others to do the appeals for information … and of course… follow their success.. and utilize my current ‘fan base’ to engage their messages… The real power of the use of SM for LE is being able to reach a huge fan base through the online contacts of many officers very quickly… for missing persons, traffic issues, major incidents such as evacuations etc… In order for this to work at maximum capacity.. policies need to be in place to encourage the use of popular social media tools that foster a following of law enforcement activities… “Relationships and Technology” is the best way to describe this.. the spin off effect is that you are alerted to incidents of concern like minor school yard bullying, fantasy or at risk stage gang activity, school shootings and a possible terrorist attack BEFORE the incident. I can’t begin to tell you how much information comes my way from my contacts on social media…. Many crime victims feel included and informed during the investigative process due to the the SM connection …. Police everywhere need to use SM in a widespread way to PREVENT and solve crime…

See comments of the Secretary General of Interpol – Mr. Ronald Noble … made in Nov/08 in Johannesburg, South Africa .. in this media advisory from the Interpol website..

http://www.interpol.int/Public/ICPO/PressReleases/PR2008/PR200866.asp

Anyone who needs some practical assistance with all of this.. feel free to contact me at scotmills@gmail.com
Scott Mills´s last blog ..Presentation Posted My ComLuv Profile

]]> By: Christa Miller http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1284 Christa Miller Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:19:02 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1284 Scott! Thanks so much for the comment. Just reading that confused me! LOL I think though what it boils down to is the increasing need for more LEOs to take the plunge. That's a lot for you to be doing all by yourself, and while at first glance you seem to be solidly still "you" -- so your "brand" has not been diluted -- you could easily become overextended. Also, other cops who are not as certain of their place online could easily dilute their own brands. Strategy ultimately being the key here! It sounds like you yourself have a strategy... but others you work with are still working out theirs? Do you see being able to "outsource" at least some of your online work in the not too distant future, or do you plan to maintain what you are doing? Scott! Thanks so much for the comment. Just reading that confused me! LOL I think though what it boils down to is the increasing need for more LEOs to take the plunge. That’s a lot for you to be doing all by yourself, and while at first glance you seem to be solidly still “you” — so your “brand” has not been diluted — you could easily become overextended. Also, other cops who are not as certain of their place online could easily dilute their own brands. Strategy ultimately being the key here! It sounds like you yourself have a strategy… but others you work with are still working out theirs? Do you see being able to “outsource” at least some of your online work in the not too distant future, or do you plan to maintain what you are doing?

]]> By: Scott Mills http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1283 Scott Mills Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:04:31 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1283 Christa.. you write about great issues. This issue of personal/professional is one that comes up daily in my life... I am a Toronto cop... who works in the community Crime Stoppers program as the youth officer (so.. in reality have 2 bosses.. community Crime Stoppers board and Toronto Police) ... I deal a lot with graffiti artists..in a positive light... as Legal Graffiti Art Coordinator for Toronto Police, and am involved in gang prevention, intervention and enforcement..with the Ontario Gang Investigators Association (ONGIA) .... then add in BMX bikes for kids with TorontoBMX ... and a live music interest that comes out in behind the scenes work for the Bronte BIA in Oakville, Canada ... so... the question becomes... personal, professional, volunteer ?? .. branding? .. community building? ... or just be me.... the reality is 'me' gets confusing for those who think in terms of 'branding' ... but makes a lot of sense in terms of one who thinks in terms of 'community building' .. then you get the fear factor of others in both the personal and professional lives... ... 'Oh my God.. u r a cop... who deals with murders and gangs... don't post that photo you just took of your kids on your Facebook' ... then there is the Police Service Board .. who really want the police officers to be a part of the community .... their families included... what does all this lead to ?? a lot of CONFUSION! ... so my idea of one account ... (which I still believe in) doesn't work in the real world... so the reality becomes the following..... Twitter.com/1800222tips Twitter.com/ONGIA Twitter.com/TorontoBMX Twitter.com/CSIWorld Twitter.com/GraffitiArtCop YouTube.com/1800222tips YouTube.com/222TIPSCommunity YouTube.com/TorontoBMX YouTube.com/LegalGraffitiArt YouTube.com/NoToGangsONGIA YouTube.com/BronteBIAOakville Facebook.com/ScotMills Facebook.com/1800222tips Facebook.com/CSIWorld Facebook.com/NoToGangs Facebook.com/TorontoPolice Facebook.com/BronteEvents Vibe.To/222TIPS So... why do it??? ..... take some time to view the comments on the videos and the pages above... there is a lot of education that needs to occur.. a lot of people have misunderstandings about cops and community ... .... communication and education can prevent so much violence.... celebrating the good ... can prevent the bad... SM for LE is the essential tool in the modern world to provide some of this education ... Cops see so much .... so much good ... and so much tragedy .... ... the 'thin blue line' must extend online... Plain and simple... we have to keep the perspective on the 'good' ... and celebrate it.... and endeavor to correct the 'bad' .. Thnx Christa for being interested in the issues that matter... I hope this 'rant' sheds some perspective for others who are grappling with similar issues.... Keep up the good work.... The World needs more of @christammiller . .-= Scott Mills´s last blog ..<a href="http://internetviolenceprevention.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49:speaking-in-toronto&catid=34:news&Itemid=1" rel="nofollow">Presentation Posted</a> =-. Christa.. you write about great issues. This issue of personal/professional is one that comes up daily in my life… I am a Toronto cop… who works in the community Crime Stoppers program as the youth officer (so.. in reality have 2 bosses.. community Crime Stoppers board and Toronto Police) … I deal a lot with graffiti artists..in a positive light… as Legal Graffiti Art Coordinator for Toronto Police, and am involved in gang prevention, intervention and enforcement..with the Ontario Gang Investigators Association (ONGIA) …. then add in BMX bikes for kids with TorontoBMX … and a live music interest that comes out in behind the scenes work for the Bronte BIA in Oakville, Canada … so… the question becomes… personal, professional, volunteer ?? .. branding? .. community building? … or just be me…. the reality is ‘me’ gets confusing for those who think in terms of ‘branding’ … but makes a lot of sense in terms of one who thinks in terms of ‘community building’ .. then you get the fear factor of others in both the personal and professional lives… … ‘Oh my God.. u r a cop… who deals with murders and gangs… don’t post that photo you just took of your kids on your Facebook’ … then there is the Police Service Board .. who really want the police officers to be a part of the community …. their families included… what does all this lead to ?? a lot of CONFUSION! … so my idea of one account … (which I still believe in) doesn’t work in the real world… so the reality becomes the following…..

Twitter.com/1800222tips
Twitter.com/ONGIA
Twitter.com/TorontoBMX
Twitter.com/CSIWorld
Twitter.com/GraffitiArtCop

YouTube.com/1800222tips
YouTube.com/222TIPSCommunity
YouTube.com/TorontoBMX
YouTube.com/LegalGraffitiArt
YouTube.com/NoToGangsONGIA
YouTube.com/BronteBIAOakville

Facebook.com/ScotMills
Facebook.com/1800222tips
Facebook.com/CSIWorld
Facebook.com/NoToGangs
Facebook.com/TorontoPolice
Facebook.com/BronteEvents

Vibe.To/222TIPS

So… why do it??? ….. take some time to view the comments on the videos and the pages above… there is a lot of education that needs to occur.. a lot of people have misunderstandings about cops and community … …. communication and education can prevent so much violence…. celebrating the good … can prevent the bad… SM for LE is the essential tool in the modern world to provide some of this education … Cops see so much …. so much good … and so much tragedy …. … the ‘thin blue line’ must extend online… Plain and simple… we have to keep the perspective on the ‘good’ … and celebrate it…. and endeavor to correct the ‘bad’ ..

Thnx Christa for being interested in the issues that matter… I hope this ‘rant’ sheds some perspective for others who are grappling with similar issues…. Keep up the good work…. The World needs more of @christammiller .
Scott Mills´s last blog ..Presentation Posted My ComLuv Profile

]]> By: Chris aka da_BiGKahuna http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1202 Chris aka da_BiGKahuna Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:52:07 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1202 Aloha Christa, I think that "6th sense" is the synergistic effect of using all five senses and then factoring in past experiences. That's why the more experiences you have, both good and bad, will hone your decision making and gut feeling. I am sure that "working the streets" my entire career greatly limited my chances for promotion, but the "personal contacts" I made and life experiences encountered had a greater impact in my personal development, professionally and privately. As for being in tune with one's 6th sense and translating it online, I think it's an individual thing. I know some great cops with great 'street sense', but put them at the console, and they freeze up. It has nothing to do with being a whiz bang at the keyboard, but being 'comfortable' and realizing the impact of using the technology. I don't mean knowing how to write programs nor doing computer forensix! You don't really have to know how it works, but jest be conscious of the results may be. For example, realizing what you post can be misinterpreted because certain words mean certain things to certain people. Or realize that once you post you can never retrieve it back. And that nothing is 'private' on the Internet. And so forth. The more you know, the more comfortable you get. But do not get complacent or over confident. That's when you'll get in trouble. And when you need to make some decisions, get as much facts and weigh your options. And if you are still undecided, then go with your gut feeling. Also remember, that gut feeling is jest as important when we're posting unto the Internet as when we're trying to digest what is being presented to us. If it don't feel right - walk away from the keyboard. Aloha Christa, I think that “6th sense” is the synergistic effect of using all five senses and then factoring in past experiences. That’s why the more experiences you have, both good and bad, will hone your decision making and gut feeling. I am sure that “working the streets” my entire career greatly limited my chances for promotion, but the “personal contacts” I made and life experiences encountered had a greater impact in my personal development, professionally and privately.
As for being in tune with one’s 6th sense and translating it online, I think it’s an individual thing. I know some great cops with great ‘street sense’, but put them at the console, and they freeze up. It has nothing to do with being a whiz bang at the keyboard, but being ‘comfortable’ and realizing the impact of using the technology.
I don’t mean knowing how to write programs nor doing computer forensix!
You don’t really have to know how it works, but jest be conscious of the results may be.
For example, realizing what you post can be misinterpreted because certain words mean certain things to certain people. Or realize that once you post you can never retrieve it back. And that nothing is ‘private’ on the Internet. And so forth.
The more you know, the more comfortable you get. But do not get complacent or over confident. That’s when you’ll get in trouble. And when you need to make some decisions, get as much facts and weigh your options. And if you are still undecided, then go with your gut feeling.
Also remember, that gut feeling is jest as important when we’re posting unto the Internet as when we’re trying to digest what is being presented to us.
If it don’t feel right – walk away from the keyboard.

]]> By: Christa Miller http://cops2point0.com/2009/12/07/social-media-presence-official-personal-andor-professional/comment-page-1/#comment-1200 Christa Miller Tue, 08 Dec 2009 00:27:35 +0000 http://cops2point0.com/?p=526#comment-1200 Wendy, thanks for stopping by! I agree on the overwhelm -- I have experienced it too -- but you've got such great examples in both Tim Burrows and Scott Mills. (I don't know Scott quite as well; I do like how Tim has added things on bit by bit, as he identified needs and got to know each tool.) Any time you want to write about your own experiences, let me know? :) Wendy, thanks for stopping by! I agree on the overwhelm — I have experienced it too — but you’ve got such great examples in both Tim Burrows and Scott Mills. (I don’t know Scott quite as well; I do like how Tim has added things on bit by bit, as he identified needs and got to know each tool.) Any time you want to write about your own experiences, let me know? :)

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