Literature Review

Police Social Media Image

The advent of social media has significantly altered the way law enforcement

agencies operate and interact with the community. According to Warren and Sulaiman

(2019), social media platforms have become instrumental tools for police departments

in their efforts to maintain public safety, improve community relations, and enhance their

public image. The study suggests that a positive social media presence could potentially

attract more individuals to pursue careers in law enforcement.

The image of the police on social media is a significant factor in shaping public

perceptions and attitudes towards law enforcement. With the rise of social media

platforms, law enforcement agencies have a new avenue to engage with the public,

disseminate information, and promote a positive image of police work (Crump, 2011).

In a digital age where public opinion can be swayed rapidly through viral posts,

the image that law enforcement agencies portray on social media is of utmost

importance. A positive representation can enhance the public's trust and confidence in

the police, while negative portrayals can lead to increased public scrutiny and criticism

(Lee, McGovern & Moon, 2018).

However, managing social media image is a complex task. It requires striking a

balance between transparency and privacy, maintaining professionalism while being

relatable, and dealing with potential negative comments or posts. Despite these

challenges, a well-managed social media presence can be a powerful tool for law

enforcement agencies to connect with the community they serve (Warren & Sulaiman,

2019).
 The police image portrayed on social media plays a crucial role in shaping public

perception. A study conducted by Lee, McGovern, and Moon (2018) found that positive

representation of law enforcement on social media platforms positively impacts the

public's view of the police. This could further influence the career choices of individuals,

particularly those studying in fields related to law enforcement.

The influence of social media on career choices is a growing area of research.

According to a study by Gikas and Grant (2013), social media platforms can significantly

impact students' perceptions and attitudes towards certain professions. In the context of

law enforcement, the portrayal of police work on social media could potentially influence

Criminology students' career aspirations.

Criminology students represent a significant portion of future law enforcement

personnel. A study by Paoline, Terrill, and Rossler (2015) found that the perceptions

and attitudes of these students towards police work are shaped by various factors,

including social media. This further underscores the importance of a positive police

social media image in attracting and retaining future law enforcement professionals.

Positive Social Media Image of the Police

A positive image of the police on social media can have numerous benefits for

law enforcement agencies. It can enhance public trust, improve community-police

relations, and even aid in criminal investigations (Lee, McGovern & Moon, 2018).

Positive portrayals of police work, such as showcasing community engagement

initiatives, highlighting successful investigations, or sharing stories of officers going

beyond their duties, can help humanize the police and foster a sense of community
(Crump, 2011). This can lead to increased public cooperation and support, which are

crucial for effective policing.

Furthermore, a positive social media image can attract potential recruits. Seeing

the positive aspects of police work can inspire individuals, particularly those studying in

fields related to law enforcement, to consider a career in this sector (Warren &

Sulaiman, 2019).

However, maintaining a positive social media image requires careful

management. This includes not only sharing positive content but also responding

appropriately to criticism and negative comments, demonstrating transparency, and

engaging in meaningful interactions with the public (Lee, McGovern & Moon, 2018).

Negative Social Media Image of the Police

Negative portrayals of law enforcement on social media can significantly impact

public perception and trust in the police. The widespread use of social media platforms

has made it easier for incidents of police misconduct or controversial actions to be

widely shared and seen by millions of users globally (Lee, McGovern & Moon, 2018).

These negative images and narratives can erode public trust and confidence in

the police, leading to increased scrutiny and criticism. In some cases, negative

portrayals can even incite public outrage and protests, further straining police-

community relations (Brunson & Weitzer, 2011).

Furthermore, a negative social media image can also affect law enforcement

agencies internally. It can demoralize officers and make recruitment more challenging,

as potential applicants may be discouraged by the negative public opinion of police

work (White, 2014).

 However, social media also provides an opportunity for law enforcement

agencies to address these issues proactively. By engaging with the public, addressing

concerns, and demonstrating transparency and accountability, police departments can

work towards rebuilding and maintaining a positive image (Warren & Sulaiman, 2019).

Brunson, R. K., & Weitzer, R. (2011). Negotiating unwelcome police encounters: The

intergenerational transmission of conduct norms. Journal of Contemporary

Ethnography, 40(4), 425-456.

Crump, J. (2011). What are the police doing on Twitter? Social media, the police and

the public. Policy & Internet, 3(4), 1-27.

Gikas, J., & Grant, M. M. (2013). Mobile computing devices in higher education: Student

perspectives on learning with cellphones, smartphones & social media. The

Internet and Higher Education, 19, 18-26.

Lee, M., McGovern, A., & Moon, B. (2018). Police and social media: Posts, perceptions

and problems. Policing: An International Journal, 41(3), 434-448.

Paoline, E. A., Terrill, W., & Rossler, M. T. (2015). Higher education and policing:

Where are we now? Policing: An International Journal, 38(4), 602-615.

Warren, I., & Sulaiman, H. (2019). Social media and policing: A review of recent

research. Policing: A Journal of Policy and Practice, 13(2), 254-266.

White, M. D. (2014). Police officer body-worn cameras: Assessing the evidence. Office

of Community Oriented Policing Services, 1-42.