In case you missed the 2012 SMILE (Social Media, the Internet and Law Enforcement) Conference held in Richmond, Va., September 10-12, Law Officer has compiled key social media tips from some of the speakers. These speakers are experts in the field and their advice is beneficial to all departments looking to utilize social media to increase community awareness and improve emergency responses. Take a look!
Social Media Quick Tip #1: Constable Scott Mills of Toronto Police Department explains how to utilize social media tools to build positive relationships between police and their community.
Social Media Quick Tip #2: Chief Constable Stuart Hyde of Cumbria Police Department, England, addresses why it's important for senior police leaders to get involved with social media.
Social Media Quick Tip #3: Chief Rick Clark from Galax, Va. Police Department, gives advice as to why it's essential for police officers not to underestimate the power of social media.
Social Media Quick Tip #4: Chief Inspector Josh Maxwell of New South Wales Police, Australia, explains why now more than ever all law enforcement and emergency service agencies need to harness the power of social media.
Social Media Quick Tip #5: Bob Spieldenner, Public Affairs, Va Department of Emergency Management, shares why creating a news blog for your organization and linking it from your agency's website is beneficial.
Social Media Quick Tip #6: Alix Levine, owner of WEBehavior LLC and the director of research for Cronus Global, explains how concerned citizens can play a bigger role in policing social media.
Social Media Quick Tip #7: Rhonda Leipelt, with Redwood City (Calif.) PD, offers tips on what your agency should know before starting out in social media. (Note: Not a speaker.)
Social Media Quick Tip #8: Stephanie Mackenzie-Smith, corporate communications supervisor in York Regional Police, Ontario, explains how your agency can be the official source of information in a crisis and why it's important.
Social Media Quick Tip #9: Christine Townsend, a police communications professional in the UK, says it's important for the different departments at your agency to work together in order to present a cohesive service to the public, partners and other agencies.
Social Media Quick Tip #10: Staying safe online is all about connecting and sharing information with those you trust. Janita Docherty, Director at CyberActive Services, offers quick tips on how you and your agency can stay safe while using social media.
Social Media Quick Tip #11: Nathan Dayler, Constable at Toronto Police Department, addresses why it's important during an emergency situation to ensure that your social media message is delivered through one source.