This blog post marks both an end and a beginning. The end: Cops 2.0 as a solo effort. It’s been a great run, but it’s time for me to pursue other avenues. The main reasons:
First, a number of law enforcement professionals have begun to enter the space, sworn cops with both policing and social experience, which is wonderful to see. Cops 2.0 readers deserve to have bloggers who know what they are talking about, because they live these issues. It’s one thing for a reporter to interview people; quite another for them to bring their own stories to bear. Isn’t that what social is all about?
Second, my public relations business, while doing pretty okay, has led me somewhat far afield from law enforcement per se. As a public relations consultant and (in some cases) representative, I’ve found myself using social media not as an end unto itself, but as part of the larger messaging toolbox.
Which brings me to the beginning…
Most police departments are finding, likewise, that social media doesn’t exist apart from other forms of community relations — and they need support in figuring out how social fits their overall mission. I’ve wanted to provide this support since I started, but business-building has left me with not much time to delve very deeply.
That’s why Cops 2.0 is changing hands. It will now be the official blog of the Canadian Association of Police on Social Media (CAPSM), maintained by longtime supporters Sgt. Tim Burrows, PIO of the Toronto Police Services Traffic Unit, and Laura Madison, criminologist and proprietor of Org9 Consulting. Hervey Simard of the Victoria (British Columbia) Police Department will join in (yes, bios are all coming), and of course, as newly minted U.S. chair to CAPSM, I’ll pop in every now and again to blog!
Laura, Tim and Hervey all have some truly space-altering ideas for CAPSM and this blog, things which I wanted to accomplish but never had time for. So, even though Canadian law enforcement differs somewhat from American, we all work toward a common goal using many of the same strategies and tactics — including social media. I think CAPSM’s asking me to stay on as chair reflects that, and I hope you’ll stick around to continue to learn from us.
Questions or comments? Leave them below!
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Glad to see that things are going well Christa. Thanks for all the hard work on Cops 2.0
Tim is a worthy successor and I’m sure that with you as Chair and Tim and colleagues taking it forward the future is going to be bright.
Mike
Thanks, Mike. Mainly I’m excited about now having the opportunity to work with more people to provide information. One busy person doesn’t get much done, but a lot of busy people all chipping in can do a lot.
Thanks for your contributions, for stimulating thought, and helping to move some of us in the right direction! Don’t forget…one nice thing about this new media it the availability to stay in touch!
Tom Le Veque´s last blog ..Rotary Club of Arcadia Honors Policeman and Fireman of the Year
Tom, gosh, it’s not like I’m going anywhere! Just reshuffling a bit.
CAPSM’s goals and interests align with mine, so I don’t anticipate fundamental change here. Hope you’ll stick around!