Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/407623
6 Law Enforcement Technology November 2014 www.officer.com EDITOR'S LOG Sara Scullin Editor For questions, news tips and comments, e-mail sara.scullin@cygnus.com. Cygnus Business Media John French, Chief Executive Officer Paul Bonaiuto, Chief Financial Officer Ed Wood, Vice President of Human Resources Julie Nachtigal, Vice President of Audience Development Eric Kammerzelt, Vice President of Technology Curt Pordes, Vice President of Production Operations Ed Nichols, VP of Events Cygnus Business Media 1233 Janesville Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538 Phone: (800) 547-7377 Editorial e-mail: editor@letonline.com Fax: (920) 563-1702 Web site: www.officer.com N o, I'm not talking about nabbing an impressive new title or work- ing your way up a pay grade. I'm talking about public image, civil discourse, and discussion. A couple things have happened in the last few months that have me pondering this age-old dilemma of "us" and "them." In August a man espousing anti- government views shot at officers and firefighters in North Dallas. And just a few days ago dozens of gunshots were directed at police in three Snohomish (Wash.) county towns—at the Granite Falls police station, Lake Stevens Police Department, and a patrol car. When I spoke with Chief Jeffrey Smythe (Burlington, N.C.) about his agency's new Level 4 body armor purchase (pg. 34), he expressed concern with local antigovernment fringe groups and gangs targeting police at their private homes. These actions reflect the abundance of vile anti-cop talk on social media, blogs and mainstream news comment sections. These are sentiments that go far beyond constructive criticism and respectful disagreement. The vast majority of uniformed men and women I've met are conscientious people who took an oath to protect and serve—to weather sometimes not-so- ideal salary, working conditions, and hours. What more can be done to defend the "good ones" in public safety? Does an image overhaul fall on the shoulders of public information officers to make sure their voices are heard in the media early and often when cases like Ferguson crop up and consume the Internet? Many of you do excellent PR work at a local level, yet there seems to be a glaring disconnect with the broader, national perception of law enforcement. Some believe it's crucial to seek out, take part in, and even initiate these conversations. New York City Police Commissioner Bill Bratton did this. When he first kicked off #myNYPD on Twitter things were rocky for a while when other 'tweeters' took a cue and posted unflattering pics that claimed to show officer brutality. But Bratton's still at it. He recently turned up on dozens of posts hanging out with kids, riding the Staten Island Ferry, and marching in parades. In September New York precinct commanders were required to attend a seminar about how to use social media and were encouraged to forge ahead. There will likely always be imbal- ances in the media. But police men and women will always have stories to tell in good times and bad; stories which many times should not be confined to only law enforcement circles. After all, police officers know better than most that the actions of one does not equal the actions of the whole. We are—each of us—so much more than our profession, religion, nationality, and politics. What more can be done to buck this deadly trend? ■ Do you self-promote? Integrated Media Consultants Scott Bieda, Executive Vice President of Public Safety & Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 2725 Michael George, Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1143 Kelly Bisco, Associate Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1360 Nick Palasini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1676 Lindsey Gajewski. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1354 Nikki Becker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1317 Classified Ad Sales (800) 547-7377 Ext. 1326 Michael George Ext. 1143 or Kelly Bisco Ext. 1360 Classified Ad Fax: (920) 328-9003 List Rental Elizabeth Jackson, Merit Direct LLC (847) 492-1350 Ext. 18, Fax: (847) 492-0085 E-mail: ejackson@meritdirect.com Web site: meritdirect.com/cygnus Reprint Services To purchase article reprints please contact Nick Iademarco at Wright's Media at (877) 652-5295 Ext. 102 or e-mail niademarco@wrightsmedia.com. Editorial Director Frank Borelli Editors Sara Scullin Jonathan Kozlowski Associate Editor Paul Peluso Contributing Editors Lindsey Bertomen Carole Moore Art Director Bruce Zedler Media Production Representative Connie Heffron Audience Development Manager Sharon Haberkorn For subscription information or change of address please call (877) 382-9187 or (847) 559-7598, fax (800) 543-5055 or e-mail circ.LETmag@omeda.com. L A W MEDIA CYGNUS