AZUSA — More than three-dozen law enforcement officials from throughout the San Gabriel Valley converged in Azusa Wednesday for a first-of-its-kind conference regarding police use of social media.
The newly formed San Gabriel Valley Law Enforcement Social Media Group is comprised of officers from 20 area law enforcement agencies with the shared goal of disseminating information and engaging with their communities through social media mechanisms such as Facebook, Twitter and others, Azusa police Officer Cherie Eads said in a written statement.
“The group will allow these officers, who are their departments’ social media managers, to receive training from experts within the group, and from outside sources, on the usage of the most popular social media channels,” Eads said. “It is imperative these officers know the current trends on the world wide web, so they can tailor their outreach and messages to reach the people living, working and playing in their communities.”
One issue discussed at Wednesday’s conference the notion of law enforcement agencies assisting each other with social media responsibilities during major incidents.
Officials also discussed other topics related to social media in law enforcement, Eads said.
Wednesday’s meeting took place two weeks after the Azusa Police Department launched a revamped website, with a strong emphasis on social media.
Representatives from the Azusa, Alhambra, Arcadia, Burbank, Claremont, Covina, El Monte, Glendale, Glendora, Irwindale, La Verne, Montebello, Monterey Park, Monrovia, Pomona, San Marino, South Pasadena, West Covina and Whittier police departments took part, as well as deputies from the Los Angeles County sheriff’s San Dimas, Temple City and Altadena stations, as well as the Sheriff’s Headquarter’s Bureau.

PHOTO: (courtesy)