Date
2-23-2023
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Human Services
Abstract
Social media has become a preferred way to communicate for many and can be a look into the user’s personal life. However, law enforcement also knows this. Law enforcement’s use of social media for investigations has been proven to be effective in monitoring gatherings and helping to solve crimes. While legal, law enforcement also has an ethical responsibility to the community and have strong policies in place to prevent misuse of this tool. This is not the only use of social media by law enforcement. Social media is also used to interact with the community. Reviewing the good and bad aspects of posting on social media helps build community support in a way to influence a positive reaction from the citizens. During a crisis law enforcement can send out press releases and provide information. To prepare for such an event the department should have plans that include pre-crisis, during crisis, and post-crisis. These plans will be used to provide information in a reliable fashion.