Police legitimacy in the age of the internet

Abstract

In recent years, police departments around the country have engaged in social media use in a variety of means, ranging from sharing important public safety information to producing dance videos. This chapter explores the growing use of social media by police, examining practical and symbolic reasons for its use using interview data from police public information officers. Initial findings suggest social media is playing a growing and important role in police departments, particularly in building community relations. However, the findings also reveal potential legal and personal hazards when used imprudently, especially by individual officers.