August 2009

Social Media Police Officer?

by Mike Vallez on August 29, 2009

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Some of the information expressed in this article was generated from a recent conversation with Chief of Police Dan Alexander from the Boca Raton , Florida police department. A more complete article chronicling our conversation about social media and law enforcement will be forthcoming.

As time goes on and social media continues to become more prevalent in people’s lives law enforcement is going to have to deal with the Goliath, known as social media. I firmly believe that if there are not already full-time social media police officers; that there will be dedicated social media police officers, communications officers, etc in the very near future. Is it outlandish to consider positing a police officer on the computer 24/7 to monitor and Tweet or Facebook out information? I don’t think so.

As social media changes so does the management of social media. Police Departments are going to have to include social media into their communications policies or standard operating procedures (SOP). Communication for law enforcement agencies usually falls with the Public Information Officer (PIO), but is usually managed by the chief or his executives. Law enforcement needs to embrace social media and investigate what benefits they can realize. These may include better communication with their customers, cost savings, and gaining respect from the citizens they police through authenticity/honesty. On the flip side police departments are going to have to find knowledgeable individuals either inside or outside their departments who have social media experience to implement these policies correctly. If a social media policy is not implemented correctly then it probably won’t be understood by the community or the agency. Hence the agency in question will realize a social media failure and will be hesitant to use this powerful communication tool going forward.

Most law enforcement agencies will adapt and embrace social media over the next few years as a valid communication tool, out of necessity. You will see social media police officers that monitor the bigger social media websites like Twitter and Facebook. A few duties these officers may have is to monitor what is being said about their agency (Twitter side search box) so they can respond to possible discrepant information or help a citizen with a problem proactively. These officers can Tweet out or send Facebook messages on a variety of things: traffic accidents, crime prevention, crime patterns, videos of crimes, etc. Another duty would be to have a blog about their department, covering human issues within the department to reach out for that personal touch with the community. Does this position have to be a sworn law enforcement officer? This could be up for debate. Maybe this position would fall in the PIO’s area and then again maybe not.

When people start to report crimes on Twitter and Facebook, which has already happened I think there is a good argument to have a sworn law enforcement officer tracking this information. The officer would be able to communicate tips, suspect descriptions, etc to his fellow
officers from a trained police officer’s perspective. There could also be the argument that Twitter and Facebook communication should fall under the onus of the communications section (dispatchers). Dispatchers are trained how to handle stressful situations, specifically communicating with victims. But, why not have Twtiter and Facebook fall in all of these areas. Use the Departments main Twitter account as the feed and have the different sections monitor this feed. You can have a SOP, which points out what Tweets or Facebook communications will be handled by who. This is called Social Media dispatching, which is not too much different than regular telecommunication dispatching.

Social media is here for now and growing at an exponential rate. Law enforcement agencies that turn a blind eye to social media will eventually be caught in a firestorm. This will most likely happen when social media could have been used for prevention or warning of real time incidents, but was not and a negative outcome results. Social media police officers, social media dispatchers, social media community service officers are all going to be on the horizon due to the cultural changes that are occurring in how people communicate using social media.

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Transparency Is Key, But Controversial Issues Not So Much!

by Mike Vallez on August 24, 2009

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Jennifer Van Grove over at Mashable brings to light the potential for social media to have a very negative impact on a companies social media efforts. Whole Foods CEO John Mackey wrote an opinion article in the Wall Street Journal targeting the controversial issue of “health care reform”. Unfortunately, Mackey’s opinion piece has ruffled some feathers of his social media followers on Facebook and a Whole Foods boycott 22,000 strong has ensued.

This brings up a very good issue. Does one convey their opinions on controversial issues, such as religion, politics, etc as a public representative of a brand? Now, I am in now way condoning being dishonest or non-transparent when conveying one’s views. However, one must consider the ramifications to taking on those controversial issues publicly that are better not even discussed amongst family and friends. There is a proverb in the bible that states “he who restrains his lips is wise” (paraphrase).

The back lash that has begun against Whole Foods has nothing to do with the product, service, or the company, or does it. When you as the “brand leader” step out and take on issues that are controversial then one must prepare to endure the consequences. The focus on Whole Foods at the moment is not based on the company’s awesome groceries, green efforts, or great employees’. Rather, the focus on Whole Food is based on the fact that many feel their CEO does not believe in health care reform. Right or wrong I am not sure this is the best way to get your brand recognized.

Another key point is the power social media now wields. To have a Whole Foods Facebook boycott 22,000 strong in 10 days time is extremely significant. This is the sort of PR social media frenzy that could spin out of control on Facebook and may potentially penetrate into Twitter. Just imagine if a “Tweetup” were scheduled in several major cities where Whole Foods exits to protest this issue. I don’t think I would want thousands of people outside my store stirring the chum.

Then what is the answer to the initial question? A person who is viewed as the brand representative will no doubt bring negative publicity 9 times out of 10 when taking on a controversial issue such as health care reform. I personally would council any brand leaders to think twice before taking on a controversial issue that has little or nothing to do with their business model. More than likely this publicity will not benefit you. The power of social media is still being underestimated and it is surprising that companies that embrace social media positively do not see the dark side of social media that could make their brand suffer or become insignificant.

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Tampa Police Corporal Mike Roberts 10-7

by Mike Vallez on August 22, 2009

Tampa Police Department (TPD) Corporal Mike Roberts was killed in the line of duty 08/19/09 while investigating a suspicious person News Story. I worked at TPD during the same time Corporal Roberts did prior to my retirement in 04/2002. Although, I do not recall ever meeting Corporal Roberts. I wish I would have had the honor of meeting him because he was a damn good cop. Corporal Roberts was with TPD for 11 years. During that time he racked up numerous commendations, one of those commendations was for saving a little girls life. Corporal Roberts was only recently promoted to the rank of corporal in 07/2009. Corporal Mike Roberts died while doing his job, the job he loved, the job he was naturally good at.

As the citizens of Tampa slept on 08/19/09 Corporal Roberts confronted a dangerous heavily armed individual pushing a shopping cart down a busy street filled with high powered weapons. The scenario of a man pushing a shopping cart filled with dangerous weapons down a busy city street seems to be more like a Hollywood movie rather than real life. In this case the threat was real and what happened could not be scripted by even the best Hollywood writers. Corporal Roberts attempted to determine what this suspicious person was doing and in a brief few seconds he was shot in the side of his chest in an area not protected by his personal body armor.

As a police officer you do not routinely think of the harm that could come to you while doing your job. Oh, sure the thought of your personal safety is ingrained in your head during training and self preservation becomes instinctual out of necessity. But overall as a police officer working the streets you handle situations as they arise and yes at times put your life on the line. I don’t think Corporal Roberts had a problem doing this because it is obvious he believed in what he was doing. As a former police officer I can tell you that the most of the time the immediate fear of a situation is not realized until the incident is over. If it was any other way the distraction of fear could cripple you and take you off your game causing a serious officer safety issue. Corporal Roberts was fully in the game and not distracted on 08/19/09 when he was killed. He was fulfilling his sworn oath to the citizens of Tampa until the very end of his life. The citizens of Tampa should be ever so grateful to Corporal Roberts and his family because he gave his life for their protection.

There is no other single incident that drills to the center of a police officer’s heart than losing a co-worker on the job. Even though I have been retired for several years I still feel a loss when a police officer is killed in the line of duty. It is that much worse when the loss is from your team. This last statement was not meant to minimize any police officers death in the line of duty, but Corporal Roberts death is much more personal to me because I am retired from TPD and still part of this community. Corporal Mike Roberts laid his life on the line for his fellow man and died a hero. Corporal Mike Roberts leaves behind a wife and son. I encourage anyone who reads this article to consider donating to Corporal Roberts family to help with the financial issues resulting from his death. Please see the information below to see how you can help Corporal Roberts family. Below is also information regarding Corporal Roberts memorial service and funeral.

Tampa Police will honor Corporal Roberts with a Memorial Engraving, his name will be added to monument on Monday, August 24, at 9 a.m. at 411 North Franklin Street in Tampa .

His wake will be held Monday, August 24, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m at Blount and Curry Funeral Home at 3207 West Bearss Avenue in Tampa.

His Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, August 25, at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Timothy Catholic Church , at 17512 Lakeshore Drive, in Lutz.

A special account has been established with the Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union
for anyone interested in making a donation to the family of Tampa Police Corporal Michael Roberts.
Make Checks Payable To:

Cynthia Roberts or Tampa Police Memorial Fund
Account Number – #538412-00

You may use any CU family of credit unions in the Tampa Bay area

For additional information – please contact Mrs. Susan Delage at 276-3373

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Leveraging Social Media As A Modern Day Reverse 911 Early Warning System!

by Mike Vallez on August 15, 2009

Social media is blowing up in the business world due to the networking abilities that businesses just can’t turn a blind to any longer. Some jumped on the “social media highway” much quicker than others. I myself have unknowingly been involved in social media longer than I first realized. But, I truly did not get into the conversation until 02/2009. Now in the conversation my mind just sees so many possibilities for social media to be used in Law Enforcement and National Security.

An example of this would be “Twitter Reverse 911″, “Facebook Reverse 911″, you fill in the social media blank “_______ Reverse 911. The times they are a changing and if you don’t change you get passed by. Oh, and someone tell the guy waiting for a full-service gas customer to maybe look for another job. My feeling is there is tremendous growth potential for social media to be used in Law Enforcement and National Security in a very positive way. Wikipedia defines “Reverse 911″ this way:

Reverse 911 is a communication system that allows emergency services to quickly contact members of a community or organization with information. It is so named, because 911 is the telephone number used for members of the community to communicate with emergency services (police, fire, EMS) in the USA. This system allows emergency services to do the “reverse”, usually to inform the public of a known hazard. Reverse 911 is designed to provide map– or list-based communications with key audiences. Geographic calling zones are created based on immediate circumstances (e.g. Amber Alerts) or ahead of time based on anticipated needs (e.g. flood plains). Reverse 911 may also target specific lists of people (e.g., first responders, Neighborhood Watch, etc.)
Reverse 911 is used in hundreds of communities, counties, commercial businesses, schools and non-profit organizations. The system has been used to solve and prevent crimes.[1] Via Wikipedia

A “Twitter Warning” (in lieu of “Twitter Reverse 911) would work like this. Let’s use the overturned chlorine railcar as a disaster any Law Enforcement jurisdiction would want to notify it’s citizens of to prevent harm to those citizens. Say the Boston PD Boston PD who has 7,104 followers as of this post sent out a “Tweet Warning” to it’s followers with geographic boundaries where the fictitious chlorine railcar ruptured and is creating a hazard. If just one person either living in the map boundaries or planning to travel through the map boundaries is notified of this incident through Twitter then you have established social media, namely Twitter as an important emergency warning system. You can do the same with Facebook, FriendFeed, and any other social media outlet one could think of.

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Using social media as a warning system is a world wide tool and not just for us here in the United States. Do you see where I am going with this? The thought of using social media websites as warning systems will change our culture worldwide (wow). “Reverse 911″ has been around for some years and there are several MMS, SMS, and Email warning systems popping up, specifically on college campuses: due to the horrible incident that tool place at Virginia Tech a few years ago. The exciting thing here is a lot of people use social media at home, in their car, at work and to have this kind of warning system in people’s hands while they are on the go is intrinsically valuable (more lives will be saved). Our society is becoming more mobile everyday with the increase of powerful smartphone like the iPhone.

I am not sure how fast this idea will catch on, but I don’t think Law Enforcement agencies or Governments will be able to prevent this. Most law enforcement agencies are a little behind integrating social media into a Law Enforcement tool. Social media is a new communication frontier that is virtual and this may add to the reluctance to pay money to set up a “Social Media Warning System”. The most likely cause of this is the current economic position most state governments are in (“budgets”. There is also some pessimism by Law Enforcement in using social media for law enforcement purposes. Regardless of “budgets’ or pessimism I am going to champion this cause and feel that in the not too distant future social media will be an established early warning system for hazardous incidents, crime, etc throughout the world. Mike Vallez

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Boston P.D./City of Boston Use Twitter & FB To Recover Stolen Bicycles…

by Mike Vallez on August 14, 2009

The Boston Police Department has been using @stolenbikebos and FaceBook Stolen Bikes Boston page to locate stolen bicycles in their jurisdiction. This is an opportune use of two of the largest social media communities to encourage people to get involved in their community. Here is how it works. If your bike is stolen you can report it through Twitter or FaceBook to the Stolen Bike’s Boston-Community Alert Program, uploading a picture of your bike for easy identification.

The stolen bike program is run through City Hall and not the Boston PD, which is a little odd, but positive none the less. Tweet reporting of stolen bikes does go through the @stolenbikebos, but the Boston PD retweet’s this program’s tweets @Boston_PD. Kudos to the City of Boston for using social media to help reduce crime. The stolen bike program also allows citizens to report locations of stolen bicycles to the police through Twitter and FaceBook for quicker recovery of stolen property.

I originally found this article on Mashable and not on the Boston Police Department’s home page. The strange thing to me is the Boston PD is on Twitter and they have had a blog since 2005 (readily found on the Boston PD website homepage), but if you scan their website Boston PD you will almost find no mention of social media. This is confusing to me. What an opportunity the Boston PD has to engage their citizens on a positive front. All too many times police and citizen contact is negative, in this case you are turing communication with citizens from a negative into a positive using social media. The Boston PD could take the stolen bicycle program and place it right on the front of their homepage with both Twitter and FB links for easier access by Bostonians. Mike Vallez

“Please take a few minutes to register your bike online right now.
Become a bike vigilante by following us on Twitter, Facebook, or email.
Check out our database of stolen bikes reported so far!”
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Marines Ban Social Media, But Can They!

by Mike Vallez on August 13, 2009

A little over a week ago the U.S. Marine Corp banned all social media, or as they call it “social networking sites” from the Marine Corp enterprise network. Marine Order Banning Social Networks Let me clarify what the Marine order constituting the ban gives as a “social network site” example: Twitter, MySpace and FaceBookNow. These are truly the powerhouse’s of social media and obviously the most commonly used amongst the general Marine population. This story to someone not involved in social media may be viewed as just another news story, but really this is much more. The ban by the U.S. Marine Corp of all “social networks” for one year is monumental challenge against our culture. I am not trying to get all “Kumbya” here, but let the Marine ban sink into your “Cerebellum” for a moment. If the Marine ban goes well, perhaps this action could be picked up by mainstream U.S. businesses and perhaps not. If U.S. businesses pickup the ban it will be interesting to watch how our culture changes. You would see a huge work around by individuals to continue their social media fix. On the other hand, perhaps this does not go well for the Marine administration and they suffer a morale setback, not sure if that is possible (Marines are damn tough). I sympathize with the Marines’ who will now be unable to communicate with family and friends through their work computers. How about those Marines that cannot afford a personal computer and are away from loved ones. How are they supposed to stay up to date with those loved ones? Is this going to be good for Marine morale, not likely. Working in the National Security Industry I am sensitive to the possibility of someone trying to obtain information from Marines’ through “social network sites.” But, is it possible that “classified” information is less likely to be lost this way than through traditional personal issues such as financial problems, drug problems, alcohol problems, etc. Personally, I don’t think even the U.S. Marine Corp can stop their Marines from being involved “in the conversation”. The social media revolution is here! The Marine administration can take the Marine enterprise network out of the social media, but the conversation will take place without the Marine’s being involved. Michael Vallez

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Broward County Sheriffs Office In The Social Media Conversation!

by Mike Vallez on August 12, 2009

Social media in law enforcement is a growing area and one I am firmly interested in. My background as a police officer and federal investigator combined with my social media passion has naturally driven me towards this social media niche. A recent article in the Tampa Tribune/Pasco Tribune had the mention of how the Pasco County Professional Firefighters’ IAFF Local 4420 was using a YouTube video in an attempt to keep their jobs. The video they were using was from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) Since social media in law enforcement is growing I decided to go to the source for this article, the BCSO website. As I checked out the BCSO website I was quite impressed with this law enforcement agencies social media presence. As you open this website you are greeted with the same YouTube video the IAFF Local 4420 has on their website.

The presence of a YouTube video on the BCSO website immediately connects visitors to the people of the BCSO and it puts the BCSO video in front of hundreds of millions of potential viewers. The benefits for a law enforcement agency to use YouTube are very interesting to say the least. Human resources, public relations, crime prevention, criminal investigation are all areas where YouTube can be leveraged to help any law enforcement agency. As I continued to search the BCSO website I found a cool social media service called “Cyber Visor” which is an innovative but common sense solution to informing business owners and residents of Broward County of crime or security issues. I signed up for this service, which, depending on your selections will send you a text message and/or email if there is a crime, security concern, etc in your selected area in Broward County. This is a simple social media solution to help keep your citizens safe in a technologically advancing society. I returned to the front page of the BCSO website and found a link to an external blog for BCSO, which has post’s on unusual incidents, big crime busts, and yes the “Police Women of Broward County” a new TLC show. The Broward County Sheriffs Office is on the cutting edge of social media amongst law enforcement agencies, but there is so much more they could be doing with social media as I have already alluded to.

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I would venture to guess that In the future you will have a social media police officer or many social media police officers that will be involved in “the conversation” it is where our society is going. Michael Vallez 08/12/09 hp5rz9ejmt

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