Technology at work: Attitudes toward law enforcement in “Social” media

Abstract

This chapter examines community attitudes toward local law enforcement through the lens of social media reports. Content analysis of 301 online reviews of police stations from Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Philadelphia are used to illustrate common themes in public opinions of the police. It is suggested that further investigation into the benefits and harms of social media may assist public relations efforts by police agencies. As a relatively young technology that has profoundly impacted everyday life it is important that both researchers and law enforcement alike begin to come to terms with the power of social media and its impact on law enforcement.