While the idea of law enforcement or other public services being on Twitter is nothing new, who can forget the California FD publishing traffic / road routes on Twitter during the massive bush fires, I was intrigued by how the Boston Police Department is using the channel. @Boston_Police list various incidents ranging from traffic accidents to crimes to asking the public for help in locating criminals to providing media with photo ops. Whoever is behind the channel (and it is official) also participates in conversations and answers questions – even with a sense of humor at times.
This was the message that I go when I started following them on Twitter – came to me as a direct message: “Thank you for following the Boston Police(beta). We monitor @ replies, but in case of emergency, always phone 911.” – While I know this is a canned response – was still nice to receive, and serves as a disclaimer too.
As I looked at the various people @Boston_Police was following, I began to notice how many law enforcement agencies throughout the country are already using Twitter as well.
And yes, the Boston Police Department also has a blog: BPDNews.com
May 28th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I think it could be a good idea but also a dangerous idea. If someone starts impersonating the police like happened in Australia a few days ago it can become a nuisance. I think Twitter should make emergency services and governmental agencies get verified before they can claim they are what they are. This would eliminate the hassle of reviewing and investigating your local political and governmental profiles to make sure it is really them behind the screen name.