Increased accountability
As the number of tweeting local police officers increases, so does their accessibility. Because Twitter makes contact easily accessible, citizens seem more inclined to approach the local police officer. “People also say that they prefer to contact the police via Twitter. If citizens have to call 0900-8844, it will take them half an hour. With a personal message via Twitter, they can contact the local police officer in question directly.” Quick and easy accessibility and reachability of the local police officer via social media therefore seem to be gaining ground.
knowing and being known, an important characteristic of the local police officer. “People recognize me as ' list to data that tweeting local police officer', and are more likely to approach me to have a chat.” In some cases, offline contact is made more easily and conversations get going more quickly.
Transparency and image
Due to his linking function, the local police officer also takes an important position when it comes to the image of the police organization . A good image and also trust and understanding of the citizen are of great importance for a service organization such as the police. A good relationship with the (involved) citizen ensures that safety can be better maintained. By using Twitter, the local police officer can be transparent with regard to his work and can provide current information to the citizen.
Residents of Timorstraat-Bandoengstraat-Medanstraat informed by letter of new parking ban zone. Enforcement soon. #fines
— Community Officer Nederhoed (@a_nederhoed) November 27, 2012
By keeping citizens informed of problems in the neighbourhood in this accessible way and by reporting back results, citizens seem to gain more understanding of police work and confidence in the police seems to grow.