Police exploitation of social media for information, intelligence, and investigation

Abstract

Communication is a crucial aspect of law enforcement, facilitating the exchange of vital information. As the latest form of communication, social media has become an integral part of this process. Given its novelty, the interaction between the law enforcement community and social media platforms must be clearly defined. This is because social media has evolved into a necessary element for the operation of police agencies. The best way to do this is by having clear and comprehensive policies and procedures. This study shows that many of the departments reviewed lack a practical social media policy or have no policy. This research paper thoroughly analyzes primary and secondary sources, including a systematic review, summary, and comparison of literature on collecting and using social media information. Additionally, the paper examines the ethical and legal considerations relating to collecting and using this information, emphasizing the importance of defining boundaries between public and privileged information, confidentiality, and consent. It reviews different policies and procedures various agencies use to effect decisions about acquiring and utilizing information from social media platforms. The result obtained serves as a reference to assist agencies in making policy decisions on regulating the obtaining and use of information from social media platforms. Equipped with this knowledge, departments and agencies can develop their policies and protocols, and maximize the use of social media platforms. The recommendations, if implemented, can potentially revolutionize the way law enforcement interacts with social media, ensuring a more ethical and effective use of these platforms.