THUNDER BAY – Crimebeat – Over the past several weeks, NetNewsledger.com has been featuring some of the means that Police Services in Canada are adopting social media strategies to engage with the public, and fight crime. “As we move forward with the Violence Reduction Strategy, we will be communicating with the community much more often and in a variety of new ways,” said Deputy Chief Neil Dubord. “The Weekly Crime Updates will help police connect more directly with citizens, and help citizens better access police information and resources. We will also be able to provide updates on the strategy in an accountable, transparent and inclusive manner.”
In Edmonton, drugs, violence and murder are a serious problem. As a part of the Edmonton Police Service’s strategy to fight crime, the service are launching a series of weekly videos to share with Edmontonians the efforts underway to make a difference in the city. This is in addition to the EPS presence on Facebook, Youtube and Twitter.
One of the goals is greater community engagement. The Violence Reduction Strategy was introduced by EPS Chief Rod Knecht on August 10, to reduce the severity, frequency, and fear or perception of violence in the city. The weekly crime and disorder update is one of nine new police initiatives underway, and will provide citizens and media with regular information about crime trends and patterns that they can use to keep communities informed and safe.
“We are going to be talking about the same crime issues that the community is talking about,” said Constable Michelle Horchuk, host of the EPS Community Crime Update. “Each week we will explore a current crime issue, highlight relevant statistics and neighbourhood hotspots, and have the appropriate subject matter expert provide interpretation and crime prevention tips. It’s about what police are doing, and what the public can do to help.”
The Community Crime Updates will focus on four primary areas of concern: alcohol and drugs; weapons; distressed communities; and social disorder. The weekly topics will be compiled by EPS analysts and police officers, and the videos will be produced in-house by EPS communications staff. Citizens will also be able to contribute to the process by providing feedback and suggestions.
The Community Crime Update video will be available every Thursday on the EPS website at www.edmontonpolice.ca/ccu. The video will also be available through the EPS social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
For more information on the Violence Reduction Strategy, please visit www.edmontonpolice.ca/vrs.
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