Detection
Social media therefore influence communication with citizens; unlike before, communication with citizens can be done quickly, easily and with a low threshold. In addition, the use of social media makes the work of the local police officer easier in a certain sense, for example by providing the opportunity to obtain (investigation) information quickly and easily. For the time being, it does not appear that the local police officer is performing his duties in a different way; social media are mainly seen as a tool in the performance of his duties. Nevertheless, it is striking that the use of social media by the police organization seems to be tackling investigations differently in a number of cases.
Citizen participation in investigations
Since the use of social media, the police can quickly and easily let the citizen participate in the investigation, which is list to data also used a lot. After all, the police is an information-dependent organization. “The residents in my neighborhood are my extra ears and eyes, if we are not in the neighborhood we do not know what is happening, the residents do. Of course, we are a company that stands empty-handed until someone comes to make a report or complaint, then we can take action.” By calling on the help of the citizen, the police quickly receive (extra) information, which means that they are sometimes less dependent on what follows from their own investigation.
The information that the local police officer receives via social media can to a certain extent steer the work and the approach to problems. Many reports via Twitter require a reactive approach, but social media can also enable a preventive approach. By using social media, the local police officer can discover conflicts and tensions in the neighbourhood, but also at events. The police can then respond to this. On the other hand, the local police officer can easily steer or influence the citizen by using social media. This allows for a quick response to rumours and untruths and can reassure the citizen in the event of unrest surrounding crimes.