In the past, the public has been educated and sensitized to say something in a situation where they see or hear something unusual. After the tragic bombing during the marathon Police, Commissioner Davis instructed his officers to utilize the social media to inform the people of the events that had taken place as well as the precautions to be taken. The people were warned to watch out for possible perpetrators who were armed and dangerous. The use of social media and especially Twitter made it possible for people also to post their perceptions. The confusion over the cause of the fire whether it was a bombing or unintended smoking material left the public confused. The inclusion of the members of society also led to communication problems with information that was false or suspicious sent to the police.
Managing communication
The Boston Police Department used the social media for delivery of updates of the events that took place. In passing information, it is important for the sender to consider the media to be used precisely to learn its norms, culture, and logic (Davis, Alves & Sklansky 4). The police have to understand how social media works. It is a free mode of communication that is available to the public, and there are ways for the public to use it anonymously to pass critical information that can be helpful in times of need. It is also important to make the public remain calm at times of danger and attacks such as the Boston bombing. Delivery of information on the events makes it easy for the public to corporate with the police.
Effective practices
The use of social media has blend in effectively with policing strategies that were already in place. The police get an efficient way of passing information to the public as well as listening to the opinions of the community. The police have learned the characteristics of the use of social media. One of the features being the scope. The number of people using social media has increased significantly. In the year 2012, the amount of time utilized by the public on social media rose to 121.1 billion minutes (Davis, Alves & Sklansky 6). The structure of social media is also important in that it can be used by the public as a source of information as well as a place to send information. The conversation created by the police to the public can influence the response of the public to the situation. If the effect is positive, then the police establish a two-way communication which can be fruitful in times of need. The tone is the last but important fact about social media. The police just like other corporate organizations can either blend in with the tone set by the public or if they do not then the flow of information will not be present, and therefore, the expectations will not be met.
It is significant for the police to make sure that they keep the public in the know in situations such as the bombing. Involvement of the community members can help in finding criminals as well as making the situation calm when people know the extent of the occurrence. If the police department works to incorporate the communication channel of the public open, then it will make work easier regarding maintaining security for the society (Davis, Alves & Sklansky 8).
Conclusion
In the bombing event if I had been in charge of the communication I would have made sure that the information is not sent out immediately it is received to ensure its credibility. This measure would help in ensuring that no contradicting messages were sent out from the different institutions. It is, however, important to send and receive information from the public. Verify it so that errors are cleared in the process of arresting suspects.
Work cited
Edward, F. Davis., Alves, A. Alejandro. & Sklansky, A. David. Social Media and Police Leadership: Lessons from Boston. New Perspectives in Policing bulletin. Washington D.C: U. S Department of Justice, National Institute of Justice. 2014.NCJ 244760.
