Twitter and Alternative Voices within Police
Authors: Matthews, L.
Conference: MECCSA
Dates: 8-12 January 2014
Abstract:The traditional presence of police sources in news media is mostly as a dominant elite aiming to present unified and carefully controlled messages, with, and providing, access to journalists. Sub groups within the police, whether the Police Federation, or individuals, may, however, hold views at odds with the ‘official line’ and take a more political stance. Through their Twitter use, these sub groups are reaching a wider audience, not only of police family, but also the public. Their messages are unmediated by the news process, bypassing any ‘gatekeeping’. An element of open debate can allow further development of the original message or aim with the help of other Twitter users.
Using textual analysis of tweets and associated micro blogs, and interviews with relevant stakeholders, this paper examines the use of Twitter in several case studies with a strong focus on the following two: its use by the Police Federation to not only mobilise its members to march on Parliament but to attempt to engage with the Police Minister, MPs and public in an unusual political climate; the others examines the hashtag ‘cover for GMP’ nationwide campaign started by an individual, after two Manchester police officers were murdered on duty. The idea was to free up Manchester officers to attend their colleagues’ funerals by suggesting police throughout the country give up a day’s leave to provide cover. The speed and volume of response, including rail companies offering free travel, took many, including police leaders, by surprise.
Source: Manual