When it comes to law enforcement agencies using Facebook as a community-building, crime-fighting, crime-solving tool, few police departments get more value per post than the Bridgeville Police Department. We said as much last year.
Borough council has also repeatedly praised the police department’s social media efforts.
Most importantly, the people say it’s good. Any given Facebook post from the police department is shared by hundreds of people and seen by thousands. Right now, the police department may have more Facebook followers than the borough has residents.
“At times [the department’s Facebook page] is entertaining,” said councilman William Henderson last month, “but it’s also very informative and it has allowed the community to stay in touch with some of the things that are going on. I appreciate it and I’ve heard from a number of residents that they appreciate it.”
But what, exactly, is the department doing right?
Is it the way the department mixes humor with serious posts?
Is it the type of information the department shares?
Is it the way that posts are written—in a real, human voice rather than the ultra-formal language of police reports and media statements?
Is it the way Chief Chad King takes time to respond to questions posed in the comments section?
Is it something else entirely?
Given the the department’s Facebook account could be a model for other small departments, it would be interested to hear what, exactly, you like about it.