b'heardandseenbyviewers(yourcommunity).WhenAs social media continues to grow and new platforms readers are constantly exposed to this negativity, theyarise, its vital that police services find a middle grounda become less trustful of the content that is being suppliedway that supports the benefits of the platform but that and, thus, less trustful of the police service that is publish- also supports the wellness of the community and police ing the content. servicemembers.Itsalsoimportantthatweremain Blandford also noted that this creates a void that getsmindful of those working behind the sceneswhether its filled by those with Google PhDs who are committed toyour public information officers or corporate communica-developing a negative narrative. tion professionals. They deal with a vast array of online bullying and harassment 24/7, which can easily lead to Right to Offend? increased stress, hopelessness, exhaustion and depression. Both the Waterloo Regional Police Service and NiagaraEmployers have a legal duty to protect their employees Regional Police Service have made the decision to turnfrom defamation and bullying on their corporate social off their comments after repeated discriminatory, sexist,media accounts. Take time to check in on them, ask if they racist,andthreateningmessageswereleftonsocialare okay and have wellness resources readily available media platforms. Without resources to constantly monitor,to help them if needed. Most of all, let them know they delete, and block these comments and users, the decisionare appreciated.was made to no longer make the option available. SoonSocial media is here to stay. The medium has value for after, members expressed their gratitude. Neither servicepolice organizations if used properly. As police services, receivedmuchnegativefeedbackresultingfromthatwe are obligated to keep people safe and well. This does decision. In fact, it was quite the opposite, with somenot simply include the physical community, but the virtual members coming forward to say thank you. They said thatone as well.reading daily negativity was affecting their morale and that of their families.To those who argue that such a decision is a form ofCherri Greeno is the Director of Corporate Affairs for the censorship, we argue that its simply a form of ensuringWaterloo Regional Police Service and Chair of the OACPs a safe and friendly platform for all users. According toOntario Media Relations Officers Network. She can be reached Blandford,Peoplewillsay,Youreapubliclyfundedat cherri.greeno@wrps.on.ca.service, and its my right to say what I want. Well, yes, to a certain extent, but that content doesnt have to be published. Social media offers a cloak of anonymity for people who wish to spout vitriol and hate while hiding1https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/behindausername.Youcanallowinformationtobepublication/88661/2016-law-enforcement-use-of-social-media- survey_5.pdfshared, but when it gets to the point where it has no2https://firstmonday.org/ojs/index.php/fm/article/ value, then it should be shut off. download/10459/10038MARKETPLACE The Official Publication of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police25'