In 2009, Cumbria Constabulary began using the social media site Twitter to update people with news, appeals and general information. This has gone from strength to strength, with over 20,000 followers.
Social media is now one of the main ways in which people can receive updates about news and local incidents which affect them. Twitter has been an effective tool for Cumbria Constabulary and has enabled people to receive information from appeals to crime prevention tips directly to their phone, computer or other device.
The Constabulary account has proved to be so popular that extra Twitter accounts were established for local policing teams and specialist units. There are now over 30,000 people following 13 accounts across the County to find out more about policing in their local communities.
Twitter is not the only social media site utilised by Cumbria Constabulary, the force also has a page on Facebook which now has more than 15,000 followers.
Chief Superintendent Steve Johnson said: “Social media plays an important part in our relationship with the public. Our accounts have enabled us to break down barriers to give members of our community direct access to the Constabulary.
“Having 20,000 followers selecting to follow Cumbria Constabulary shows a key demand for people wanting to use Twitter to receive information and updates from the police.
“A vast amount of information is now within the reach of members of our community that have access to social media and we are dedicated to keeping them informed.
“We encourage people to follow us, and have now established Twitter alert’s to immediately deliver important information in the event of a major incident, such as flooding. This will help us in providing a medium that provided timely updates straight away and enable people to take any necessary action and inform friends and family members who could be affected.
“We recognise that not everyone has social media accounts and we will always inform the public in a wide variety of methods. However, social media is proving to be an essential tool for Cumbria Constabulary.”
Follow us
Follow www.twitter.com/cumbriapolice on Twitter. www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice on Facebook.
A list of a the Constabulary’s local policing teams accounts and other social media profiles can be found here
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