b'F E A T U R ENo Social(Media)Distancing Police and the Futureof Social Media By Cherri Greeno, Waterloo Regional Police ServiceS ocial media is a large part of both our personalLies are told. Threats are made. Misinformation is spread. and professional lives and, consequently, impactsLibelous comments are posted.the way police services communicate and engageIn a world where its easier than ever to target some-with their communities. And, like it or not,one online, we must ask ourselves, Is the risk worth its not going away. it? Is a police services social media presence draining Whenpoliceservicesmadethedecisiontoengageresources? Is it affecting the mental health and wellness in social media years ago, they did so with enthusiasm,of both community members and police members? Are seeinganopportunitytoreachdifferentaudiencesinwe openly allowing a platform for harassment to exist?severaldifferentways.ItwasanopportunitytobuildGone are the days when individuals cared so much relationships,shareinformation,andtellourstory.Itabout an issue that they would put pen to paper and write also provided an opportunity to receive feedbackbut ata letter to the editor of a media outlet or to an organiz-what cost? ation. Now, individuals and groups can remain entirely While there are many benefits to using social media,anonymousonline,evenusingfakenamestorelay therearealsomanyseriousdrawbacksforpoliceser- a messagewhether that message is true or not. This vices. Most police organizations, as well as communitymakes such negativity difficult to ignore and difficult to members, argue that what started out as an opportunityreport and stop. So the question becomes, Is it possible for positive virtual conversations has now turned toxic.tomaintainasocialmediapresencewhileprotectingThe Official Publication of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police23'