There is no greater truth in today’s modern age of policing than a principal that was written 185 years ago;
To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and that the public are the police, the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interests of community welfare and existence.
This was the 7th instruct from Sir Robert Peel to the police officers employed by the Metropolitan Police Department. 9 principles to govern how police were to administer themselves for the greater good of the community in which they served.
Peel believed that every member of society were in fact the police and every member of the police were the public and that still holds true today.
PARTNERS
The police and the public are partners in keeping peace and order in their community. The only difference being that police are paid for their duties and with that comes a greater responsibility, powers and commitment, but the desire for a better, safer community lies in everyone making peace and order a priority for a better quality of life. Police and the public they serve are truly partners in every way.
POWERING UP YOUR PARTNERSHIP
As long as I can remember police have asked the public for their assistance in solving crimes, identifying criminals and protecting themselves.
With the use of social media that partnership can be powered up.
SouthWest and Taco Bell get it. Justin Bieber understands it with his #Beliebers and Lady Gaga is a master of it with her “Kingdom of Monsters”. They don’t just appreciate their fans. They make them a priority in their success. Those brands know that you just don’t broadcast, but you broadcast, engage, share and promote you partners and you give them value that is beneficial to them.
Call it what you want;
- building tribes
- building community
- building circles of trust
- building a kingdom
In the end you want your own ground army to carry the torch for you.
EMPOWER YOUR PARTNERS
When you reach out to your community on social media make them feel like they are truly part of the solution to whatever problems ay arise or are concerning them.
“Deputize” them. Make them your fellow “Crime-Fighters”. Let them know that they are part of a community and a huge part of making their lives better.
This can stem from the mantra of, “See something, say something.” and many times it can be as subtle as the words you choose to use.
“We need your help.” or “Let’s get this criminal off our streets.”
One statement makes it about ‘us’ (police) first and the community second while the other makes it about the team and the partnership.
If you really want to power up your presence with partners then think in terms of the community first.
Dear fellow crime-fighters, your “YourName” Police know that you’re going to be safer if you can identify the person responsible for the crime happening in your neighbourhood right now. You identify him, we’ll lock him up for you and you’ll rest easier with him out of your lives.
Most importantly, in this partnership you have thank your partners and let them know how they made a difference. It’s the little things like heartfelt thanks and recognition for their great work that can make the difference between a good and great partnership.
Partners come to the aid of each other, look out for each other and succeed easier working together. Build an army of partners. You build that army and the shares, retweets, likes, etc will increase your presence beyond just your partners, but to their partners as well.
Related posts:
http://walkingthesocialmediabeat.com/2014/06/30/sir-robert-peels-social-media-principles-of-modern-policing-smday/
As I was writing this post, I got a notification for this…kind of drives home the point doesn’t it? Way to go Medford Police, and thank you.
UPDATE: This beauty just came through on Twitter. Very nice Anne Arundel Police! #socialmediasleuths
#ShareAlert #SocialMediaSleuths #Robbery Suspect
This guy robbed a woman inside of a store. https://t.co/MERUu91KlD pic.twitter.com/ZMu1g7E5dN— Anne Arundel County Police Department (@AACOPD) July 7, 2014
