In order to forestall the spread of rumors about its involvement in the upcoming Climate Camp protests, the Metropolitan Police force has hired 6 Consulting, a firm of “social media monitoring and engagement specialists” for a one-month pilot to monitor the web for relevant chatter.
No doubt in response to reports critical of its handling of the G20 protest earlier this year, the Met explains that the deal was not part of any investigative or intelligence-gathering program. “We are increasingly looking to the internet to get our message out”.
According to the police, G20 protests had seen “unhelpful” rumours spread fast online, and the pilot would help Met communications staff be more proactive in addressing public concerns.
This is not the first time a public safety outfit has added social networking to its toolbox, but it marks the first time that a police department has specifically used Twitter to help fight the dissemination of rumors about its own actions. Expect to see other police departments follow suit if the Met declares this campaign a success.
via Met hires Twitter consultancy • The Register.
