Social media and the police

 

“Never let yourself fall prey to the need to stay relevant on a social media platform, as viewers may not be very receptive.” Dr. BLR 

 

When I had my two kids, I was an older father. Some would say I was old enough to be their grandfather. However, I didn’t care because I wanted to share my bundles of joy with my family, friends, and students. So, what did I do? I posted many of their silliest photos on Facebook and, eventually, on Instagram after I learned to set up an account. I was happy, and my kids became rock stars among those who viewed my posts. I guess this is what a retired state trooper can do with no repercussions. 

For the hundreds of my former students who have gone on to become law enforcement officers, the safety of posting family pictures, vacation photos, and videos of their antics is no longer guaranteed. If you haven’t been keeping up with media coverage, the days when citizens loved the police are over. Yes, a significant number of Americans still appreciate them, but that number is dwindling fast. Why? It is due in part to social media and the fact that damn near everyone and their mother has a cellphone capable of recording what the police are doing. Is this a bad thing? No, not if the police are upholding the Constitution, de-escalating when required, and treating citizens like human beings. 

I’ve always said that most police officers are good and decent people. I stand by this, but as time has passed, I am beginning to see a viciousness in some that has been captured on cell phones by ordinary citizens. I then have to ask myself why this is happening. 

It is no secret that most police officers lean politically to the right. As a result, those in power, specifically Republican politicians, will protect police officers, whether good or bad. 

So, what, you might ask? This sense of power has emboldened many to take risks, resulting in injuries, maiming, or death for some citizens. Many of these events were captured on video, exposing the police officers involved and plastering their faces across social media.

Police officers are being doxed, and some have had people show up at their homes based on actions they’ve taken in the line of duty. But how did their personal information come to light? You guessed it: it was all those silly pictures, videos, and personal information they thought were innocuous that they posted on social media. The internet has brought out the worst in some people, and they will go to any extreme to get revenge on police officers they believe are guilty of committing heinous acts against what they believe are innocent people.

The recent killing of Minnesota resident Renee Good by an ICE agent, Jonathan Ross, is proof positive of the power of social media and the impact it will have on every law enforcement officer going forward. As it stands, Agent Ross has been given around-the-clock protection and has moved from his home due to threats to his life and that of his family. It shouldn’t be this way, but if you carefully view the video of this horrendous killing, you will see why some people are truly up in arms. Maybe they are, rightly so, but I am not a court of law or jury that may have to decide the ultimate fate of Agent Ross. 

I look back on my career in the New Jersey State Police and am so glad I retired when I did. While I know I would never mistreat anyone, I don’t think I’d want a cellphone camera shoved in my face every time I had to interact with anyone. I give a lot of credit to those who choose to join the law enforcement profession, but I strongly advise against having any social media accounts because you will piss someone off, and if they have even a modicum of knowledge about scrubbing the internet to find out the home address of anyone, you will definitely be in their crosshairs. So, don’t do it. Your peace of mind is not worth destroying just to show others that you went on vacation or to post your workout or training videos. I recognize that today's officers come from a different generation and grew up with this kind of communication, but the world has changed, and they must be more disciplined and seek alternative outlets for public expression. I know most of my students may not heed my warning, but I’ve said my piece. I’m out.