Tensions ran high among both residents and convention attendees, but in addition to separating and protecting protestors, police also kept people informed online.
Dispelling rumors
These days, breaking stories no longer show up first on the local evening news. They develop online, unfolding in real time on smart phones, tablets and computer screens. That’s especially true when massive throngs of journalists (the RNC gave out 15,000 press credentials for the convention) and visitors descend for a specific event.
Responding quickly and authentically to questions, comments and rumors reassures residents—and people following the event online—that the police are in control of the situation and working to keep everyone safe.
It’s ultimately about transparency. By providing information about arrests, including quantity and cause, Cleveland Police projects an image of a relatively calm city and a police force working hard to keep it that way.
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Providing valuable information
Sharing updates via social media is a great way to inform people as situations develop and reassure them that they are in good hands. From road closings to prohibited items, Cleveland Police used social media to communicate valuable information to the masses.
Pls be advised of road closures due to #RNCinCLE Welcoming Event on Sunday, July 17, 2016. See blue on map. #RNCINFO http://pic.twitter.com/hj9P7BCBEE
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 17, 2016
Gas masks remain a prohibited item in the event zone. Reporters must follow same rules as the public.
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) July 19, 2016
Multiple times, Cleveland Police used its Twitter account to alert followers to demonstrations that formed in the city. Indicating movement and direction gave residents the information needed to avoid those areas and stay safe.
Reading the @CLEpolice Twitter feed feels a bit like listening to a police scanner: It paints an authentic, real-time picture of what’s happening in the city. Regular Periscope sessions offer engaging video content for an additional layer of information.
Shining a positive light on officers
On social media, Cleveland Police’s personality shines through. They use emojis, share photos of unexpected situations and write clever captions.
During the Cavaliers’ championship celebration, a tweet dispelling a rumor of a stolen fire truck set the record straight with a perfectly snarky tone. It has been retweeted more than 18,000 times, received more than 20,000 “likes” and got tons of comments.
See, the fire truck was not stolen. This, however, is not okay. 🚓 http://pic.twitter.com/wqoK6idMYD
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) June 20, 2016
Most important, Cleveland Police shows its officers in positive, heartwarming and sometimes even humorous situations. It’s a welcome reminder that the people working to keep the city secure are just like you and me—and that message has never been more important.
All 45 kids who were separated from family members during today's events have been reunited w loved ones. http://pic.twitter.com/wUS0nbjbIz
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) June 23, 2016
Keep up the great work, Cleveland’s Finest.
Ann Mulvany is a senior account executive at FraizerHeiby. A version of this article originally appeared on the agency’s blog.
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