Introduction
The use of force by police officers is a sensitive topic, and it is important for police departments to have a strategic communication plan in place to respond to public inquiries and concerns. This is especially true in the event of a high-profile use of force incident, where there is a great deal of negative reaction from the community.
In this case, the use of force appears to have been legally justified and within department policy. However, there is still a great deal of public anger and distrust. This is understandable, given the history of police brutality in the United States.
The goal of the strategic communication plan is to address the public’s concerns, rebuild trust, and restore public confidence in the police department.
Key Messages
The strategic communication plan should focus on the following key messages:
- The use of force was legally justified and within department policy.
- The police department is committed to transparency and accountability.
- The police department is taking steps to improve training and procedures to prevent future incidents.
- The police department is committed to serving the community and protecting the public.
Communication Channels
The strategic communication plan should use a variety of communication channels to reach the public, including:
- News releases. News releases should be issued to local media outlets, as well as national media outlets if the incident is getting national attention.
- Social media. The police department should use its social media platforms to communicate with the public. This includes posting updates on the incident, as well as responding to public comments and questions.
- Public meetings. The police department should hold public meetings to discuss the incident and answer questions from the public.
- Community outreach. The police department should engage in community outreach activities to build relationships with the community and address concerns about the use of force.
Timeline
The strategic communication plan should be implemented as soon as possible after the use of force incident. The plan should be flexible enough to adjust as new information becomes available.
Evaluation
The strategic communication plan should be evaluated to determine its effectiveness. This includes assessing the public’s reaction to the plan, as well as the level of trust and confidence in the police department.
Conclusion
A strategic communication plan is essential for police departments to respond to high-profile use of force incidents. By effectively communicating with the public, police departments can address concerns, rebuild trust, and restore public confidence.
Additional Thoughts
The strategic communication plan should be developed in consultation with community leaders and other stakeholders. This will help to ensure that the plan is responsive to the needs of the community and that it is effective in rebuilding trust.
The plan should also be tailored to the specific circumstances of the incident. For example, if the incident involved a fatal shooting, the plan should address the public’s concerns about police accountability and transparency.
The strategic communication plan should be an ongoing process. Even after the incident has been resolved, the police department should continue to communicate with the community to address any lingering concerns.
