Use Twitter for live Q&A sessions with the public - Policing Twitter Tip
We all know that Twitter is a great broadcast medium. If you have news, a message or an event you want to publicise, you just press the Tweet button after having typed it using no more than 140 characters. Why not go a step further and hold events on-line live, like radio talk shows. Use Twitter to announce what is going to happen, when and at what time. It is simple and for the Police there is no extra cost to further enhance the way the public can engage with their local Police.
West Midlands Police, Birmingham South Police Local Policing Unit @bhamsouthpolice are leading the way with this radical new style of police-public interaction. An example of one of these events was a live Twitter only question and answer session. On the 9th May 2011 Chief Superintendent Phil Kay was invited to answer questions on local policing matters. A hash tag of #kayday was advertised the week before. Anyone wanting to send in a question only had to add #kayday at the end of their message for it to be picked up by the police team.
The officers running the event just ran a search on the hash tag #kayday in Twitter and could see all the questions. When Chief Superintendent Phil Kay replied to a question the same hash tag #kayday was added to the answers so the public could find them. Here are a few examples of the type of questions that were asked and the replies.
Public Question
"Are there plans for more visible policing? I've never seen police walking round by us?! #Northfield&Cotteridge"
Chief Superintendent Phil Kay's reply
"I am disappointed to hear that. Visible patrols are an important element of our mission to inspire trust and confidence. " "You will be seeing more officers and PCSOs patrolling on their own rather than in pairs. Please let us know if you don't see a change #kayday"
What was interesting members of the public were also voicing their support using twitter
"I live in northfield near the train staition and I do see plenty of the pcso"
Members of the public were also offering advice and information about policing problems in their area.
"can you ensure your officers patrol the "back" alleys on their rounds. Now the light evenings are here..."" ...as this is where the youths hang around...including cul-de-sacs etc"
"Tesco Express in The Fordrough & shops need a presence now and again as lots of people think Tesco is easy target " " Tesco Express in The Fordrough & shops need a presence now and again as lots of people think Tesco is easy target #kayday"
Chief Superintendent Phil Kay's reply
"Thank you for your tweet. Our officers are briefed and tasked where to patrol every day to ensure they have the biggest impact #kayday"
Public Question
"what one crime-prevention thing do you wish us non-cops would remember do to reduce crime across the W Mids? #kayday"
Chief Superintendent Phil Kay's reply
"Can I be greedy and have two please? To prevent burglaries always make sure doors and windows are locked and your property marked " "For vehicle crime, always, always, always remove your valuables. If it ain't there, it can't be stolen! #kayday"
Public Question
"what work are you doing with youth? i volunteer at #stonehousegang on burnel rd. could more be done in partnership?"
Chief Superintendent Phil Kay's reply
"Working with young people and listening to their views is really important to us. #kayday" "We have dedicated Safe Haven teams in each of our constituencies but we are keen to do more and welcome any suggestions "
Public Question
"Why is info on wildlife crime & wildlife crime officers so hard to find, online? http://wp.me/p10xWg-7V #kayday"
Chief Superintendent Phil Kay's reply
"Really good question. Last month the force held a wildlife crime seminar. There are officers across the force looking into it " "Bham South Superintendent Tim Godwin is the force strategic lead. Nationally you can visit to find out more: http://bit.ly/jm6Cwm #kayday"
I think this is such a great use of Twitter and should be expanded to all law enforcement agencies. Birmingham South Police Local Policing Unit should be commended for taking the lead in this field.
