24 May 2011

More than 3,000 people are now chatting to Norfolk police online thanks to the power of social media.

In the past week, the 1000^th ‘fan’ joined the Norfolk Constabulary’s Facebook page followed swiftly by its 2000^th follower on Twitter.

The social networking sites, as well as the video-sharing website YouTube, are now used daily by the force to provide the public with direct updates and to discuss local issues.

"The potential of social media cannot be underestimated."

DCC Simon Bailey

While ‘tweeting’ to local communities is a relatively new trend in police communications, its influence is already being felt.

Earlier this month, a single ‘tweet’ on Twitter, appealing for information on a missing Norwich teenager, reached more than 13,000 people online in the space of half an hour.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Bailey said: “The potential of social media cannot be underestimated. We can now keep people informed and hold virtual conversations about policing issues - all at the touch of a button.

“People have changed the way they want to communicate and we need to keep pace to help us stay in tune with local needs. It’s an effective, low-cost addition to our traditional community engagement work and there are plans to further develop this in the near future.”

Since the launch of the Constabulary’s social media accounts in July 2009, the force has issued over a 1000 updates and tweets, while our YouTube channel, containing videos of police work and training products have been viewed over 13,000 times.

The force uses social media alongside traditional communications, to issue updates, warning and appeals and provide up-to-the-minute bulletins during major police operations.

In February, police ‘tweeted’ a series of updates during a high-profile firearms operation in Attleborough, and earlier this month in Norwich, in an effort to control speculation and reassure the local community.

Appeals link followers direct to CCTV stills or images on the Norfolk police website, where further information can be found.

Anyone with an account on Facebook (www.facebook.com/norfolkpolice) or Twitter (www.twitter.com/norfolkpolice or search @norfolkpolice) can join our online community.