Law enforcement agencies are increasingly using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with their communities. The Ramsey County Sheriff's office posts archived historical photos on Throwback Thursdays which receives positive feedback. The Shakopee, MN police actively tweet and retweet others' comments while also posting original, meaningful content. The Kentucky State Police uses Instagram to share photos with descriptions to engage users on a fun channel.

1. Law Enforcement &
Social Media
Leah Spielman
April 28, 2015
@Leah_Spielman

2. Introduction
• Social media is an important tool for law enforcement
• Connect with community
• Tell your story
• Facebook
• Largest social network
• Twitter
• Short and sweet messages – 140 characters
• Quickly connect with media for press conferences
• Instagram
• Use photos to tell a story

3. Ramsey County Sheriff
• Throwback Thursday (#TBT)
• Shared archived historical photos each week
• Received positive feedback from community
• Many memories shared via comments on photos

4. Ramsey County Sheriff

5. Ramsey County Sheriff

6. Shakopee, MN
• Active on Twitter
• Retweets others with funny yet appropriate comments
• Posts original, meaningful content with a sense of humor

8. Kansas City, MO
• Post about events already happening – no need to find new
content
• Coffee with cops
• New police academy
• Reply to comments in a timely manner

9. Kansas City, MO

11. Instagram – Kentucky State Police
• Share photos with a few sentences describing photo
• Fun channel
• Easy option for quick, short videos
• Great opportunity to use hashtags
• #KentuckyStatePolice

12. Kentucky State Police

13. Social Media Campaign
• Minnesota State Patrol
• #SpeakUpMN – bring awareness to distracted driving
• In connection with local PD’s and the public, encouraged
“Caught in the act” tweets with #SpeakUpMN
• Hosted distracted driving Q&A on Facebook

14. Minnesota State Patrol

17. Resources
• International Association of Chiefs of Police Center for Social
Media
• www.iacpsocialmedia.org