It not only helps them connect with the people but makes them appear less intimidating and more relatable and humane.
Creating sharable content across social media platforms is something brands are adept at. But, when police departments begin to do this on a near regular basis, then there's something to be said about it.
It was the Mumbai Police department's Twitter handle that emerged as funny and relatable to audiences across all ages. Soon, Bengaluru followed and now we're seeing Punjab and Jaipur too.
The aim here is to connect with audiences while educating them about what's going on, the dos and don't, the myths etc. The more a police department can do this, the more comfortable people become with it and see the force from a fresh lens than one of apprehension or outright fear.
Here are some of the best examples of police departments using social media:
Punjab Police on staying at home during the lockdown and on fake news.
"Mein toh raste se jaa raha tha"?! Even Govinda is not allowed!#PunjabFightsCorona
#StayHomeStaySafe #SaddeSuperHeroes@govindaahuja21#KarishmaKapoor pic.twitter.com/NwvskIyLZ9— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) April 6, 2020
Get Your Facts Only From Credible Sources!
Before you believe every news story on the internet, verify the credibility of the source through its mission statement and contact details.#FakeDiKhairNahi pic.twitter.com/bpSYpwbeNC— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) April 12, 2020
Even Sallu bhai would advise caution in these difficult times. Stay Home, Stay Safe. Don’t succumb to any temptation#PunjabFightsCorona #StayHomeStaySafe #SaddeSuperHeroes#karishmakapoor@BeingSalmanKhan@Varun_dvn@Asli_Jacqueline@taapsee@The_AnuMalik pic.twitter.com/t5k14K5JQS
— Punjab Police India (@PunjabPoliceInd) April 4, 2020
Bengaluru Police on cybercrime, fake news, and staying indoors during the lockdown.
Heads up! #Cyberfraud alert! Scams related to EMI postpone requests are doing rounds in the city. DO NOT share your banking details or OTP with anyone.
#StayAlert
#Cybersecurity #ArrestCorona pic.twitter.com/mx6NURYUlC— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) April 8, 2020
Why step out and create trouble when you can Netflix and chill? #Coronovirus spares none at all. Stay home, #StayHomeStaySafe #ArrestCorona pic.twitter.com/YwGRsbBtaq
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) April 8, 2020
As the father of our Nation said, see no evil, hear no evil, talk no evil. Do not consume or spread fake information. Trust only official sources. #ArrestCorona pic.twitter.com/KDeIEvjefJ
— BengaluruCityPolice (@BlrCityPolice) April 8, 2020
Mumbai Police making its point in the best manner.
Every time you plan to go out unnecessarily with your ‘gang’ during #lockdown : pic.twitter.com/X0EPJEufGT
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 13, 2020
This class (well, almost all of them) was prompt to learn its lesson from @iamsrk 's encounter with Professor Rasai! #MaskHaiNa https://t.co/HpHoOHnYZB pic.twitter.com/FarmS6CyIK
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 12, 2020
Mojo Jojo's badder than you, #Coronavirus !
But guess what? He’s on our side.
He is #TakingOnCorona #MojoAgainstEvil pic.twitter.com/hanAc4I0kx— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) April 10, 2020
Even Jaipur Police got into the action.
मत उडियो, तू डरियो
ना कर मनमानी, मनमानी
घर में ही रहियो
ना कर नादानी
ऐ मसक्कली, मसक्कली#StayAtHome #JaipurPolice #TanishkBagchi #Masakali2 #ARRahman @arrahman @juniorbachchan @sonamakapoor @RakeyshOmMehra pic.twitter.com/lYJzXvD8i4— Jaipur Police (@jaipur_police) April 9, 2020
It's your decision, either save yourself and wear a mask at all times, or take a serious risk. #AlwaysWearAMask#JaipurPolice #TeamJaipurPolice #SafeJaipur #SmartJaipur #coronavirus2020 #coronavirusnews #BeAlert #DontPanic #IndiaAgainstCOVID19 #Lockdown #MaskSavesLives pic.twitter.com/xXmYEksc9S
— Jaipur Police (@jaipur_police) April 12, 2020