Explore how criminal justice professionals and offenders are using social media.
As you create your initial post, consider the following quotation from Sgt. Jason Cullum of the Evansville, Indiana, police department:
The use of social media has helped us identify suspects within minutes of an image being posted. The thought of being featured on a social media post is very unappealing to criminals and especially our youth who truly understand the viral nature of social media.
Address the following in your initial post:
Describe how offenders may use social media.
Describe how criminal justice professionals may use social media.
Explain why it is important for law enforcement to be present on social media.
In response to two of your peers, discuss how the social media use described in the initial post can affect the community.
Full Answer Section
- To communicate with other offenders. Offenders may use social media to stay in touch with other offenders, share information about criminal activity, and coordinate criminal activity. For example, an offender may use social media to learn about new crime trends or to find a buyer for stolen goods.
- To glorify criminal activity. Offenders may use social media to post photos and videos of themselves committing crimes or to brag about their criminal exploits. This type of activity can encourage other people to engage in criminal activity and can make it more difficult for law enforcement to apprehend offenders.
- To harass and intimidate victims. Offenders may use social media to harass and intimidate victims, both before and after committing a crime. For example, an offender may post threats on social media or share personal information about a victim.
How criminal justice professionals may use social media:
Criminal justice professionals may use social media for a variety of purposes, including:
- To investigate crimes. Criminal justice professionals can use social media to gather evidence, identify suspects, and track down witnesses. For example, a police detective may use social media to identify the person who posted a photo of a crime scene or to find a witness who was seen in the area where a crime occurred.
- To communicate with the public. Criminal justice professionals can use social media to communicate with the public about safety issues, crime trends, and wanted suspects. For example, a police department may use social media to post a warning about a scam artist who is operating in the area or to share a photo of a wanted suspect.
- To educate the public about crime prevention. Criminal justice professionals can use social media to educate the public about crime prevention tips and strategies. For example, a sheriff's office may use social media to post tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft or to share information about home security systems.
Why it is important for law enforcement to be present on social media:
It is important for law enforcement to be present on social media because it allows them to:
- Investigate crimes more effectively. Social media can provide law enforcement with valuable leads and evidence that can help them to solve crimes.
- Communicate with the public more easily. Social media allows law enforcement to communicate with the public about safety issues, crime trends, and wanted suspects in a timely and efficient manner.
- Educate the public about crime prevention. Social media allows law enforcement to educate the public about crime prevention tips and strategies. This can help to reduce crime and make communities safer.
How the social media use described in the initial post can affect the community:
The social media use described in the initial post can affect the community in a number of ways.
- It can help to make communities safer. By using social media to investigate crimes, communicate with the public, and educate the public about crime prevention, law enforcement can help to make communities safer.
- It can help to build trust between law enforcement and the community. By using social media to connect with the community and to share information about crime and safety, law enforcement can help to build trust between law enforcement and the community.
- It can help to empower the community to take action against crime. By providing the community with information about crime and safety, law enforcement can help to empower the community to take action against crime.
However, it is important to note that the use of social media by both offenders and criminal justice professionals can also have negative consequences for the community. For example, the use of social media by offenders to commit crimes or to glorify criminal activity can make communities less safe. Additionally, the use of social media by law enforcement to monitor the community or to collect data on people who are not suspected of any wrongdoing can raise privacy concerns.
Overall, the social media use described in the initial post can have both positive and negative effects on the community. It is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of social media use before implementing any policies or procedures.
Sample Answer
How offenders may use social media:
Offenders may use social media for a variety of purposes, including:
- To commit crimes. Offenders may use social media to identify and target victims, recruit accomplices, and plan and carry out crimes. For example, an offender may use social media to find out the whereabouts of a potential victim or to identify a person who is selling drugs.