Policing Today Means Understanding Social Media [Video]

Police officers' day-to-day effectiveness relies on responding to the world around them. Today, that task includes understanding and working with technology.

Social media's growing role in community communications is too important to ignore, and tech-savvy police departments can even receive tips from the public and distribute public safety information via Facebook, Twitter or other platforms.

Whether gaining important information or posting essential bulletins, police officers can use social networks as direct and modern ways to speak with people. Officers with social media savvy may also have success gathering evidence online.

No skill comes naturally, and specialized training may help police departments add social media aptitude to their skill sets. Specialized public safety workforce management software helps manage employee education.

Scheduling and tracking sessions through these systems lets department chiefs ensure their officers have up-to-date knowledge.