Police Use of Social Media

I think that Tayside Police do a great job in the ways in which they use social media. It is important that the police effectively communicate with the people they serve. Social media can play an important role in this.

I was disappointed to see that some people are misusing  Tayside Police's Facebook page by spreading malicious rumours and falsehoods on the page.  People need to have confidence in information which appears to come from the police. There will be times when the police need to ensure that information is passed on. I am concerned that a situation is created akin to the old story about 'crying wolf.'

There is a need for greater moderation of posts on these sights and people need to take responsibility and act properly online, as elsewhere.

I would be very unhappy if the actions of a few people caused Tayside Police to engage less. Adapting to use new media is important for all public services, including the police. There are challenges in this but public bodies need to find ways around these challenges and deliver services fit for the twenty-first  century.