The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) offers some great information on Social Media basics via their website. The page is titled Social Media in Law Enforcement and offers “fact” sheets on many topics in relation to Social Media participation. For example, the Twitter fact sheet provides an explanation of what this microblogging tool is and describes its uses for Law Enforcement. The page goes on to discuss start-up and even offers some basic Twitter terminology. Having resource information like this available in one spot is a great addition to their website.

The IACP is one of the oldest membership organizations for Law Enforcement executives and is recognized globally with over 20,000 members. The IACP website states, “…the IACP has launched a new initiative to build the capacity of law enforcement to use social media to prevent and solve crimes, strengthen police-community relations, and enhance services.” This is an excellent endorsement for the use of Social Media by Law Enforcement. Hopefully, is an indicator of what is to come for engagement and use of Social Media by many more police agencies.

If you are going to be in the Orlando, Florida area in late October, consider attending the IACP 2010 Conference. IACP will be hosting multiple sessions discussing Social Media related topics, October 24-26, 2010.