A pilot project that has seen Tayside Police officers “tweet on the beat” has been praised by one of the force’s leading figures.
Deputy chief constable Gordon Scobbie hailed as “pioneers” the small number of officers who have been taking part in an initiative aimed at keeping communities in touch with police business via social media.
Eight officers have been taking part in the three-month trial, aimed at bringing news and information to residents of Auchterarder, Crieff and Kinross. Using the short message service, police staff are able to keep their communities up to date with any developments on cases, travel and weather information, and issue crime prevention advice.Good messagesAddressing members of the Tayside Joint Police Board yesterday, Mr Scobbie said, “Through this connection, we can have a conversation with the public. We’ve got some good safety and crime prevention messages across and it helps to bring communities together and supplement our other messages.
“I think it’s a brave step for the force and our officers. They are pioneers.”
Recent updates from constables using Twitter have included news on speed checks in Powmill and Abernethy, a reminder for motorists to secure their cars in Comrie, and a suspected shoplifting offence in Auchterarder.
As well as Twitter, Tayside Police has also been the first force in the country to utilise the MyPolice website, another pilot project allowing for direct conversations between police staff and members of the public.
Deputy Chief Constable Scobbie, who also acts as the national lead for social media within UK policing, added, “There are some officers in cars for the whole of their shift and the feedback is encouraging them to get out and be in the community more. It’s good for them.”You can find the profiles at twitter.com/TaysidePolice/community-police-officers