In the land of free speech.
"Police to citizens: Be careful what you tweet" Associated Press August 15, 2014
SEATTLE — Police in Washington state are asking the public to stop tweeting during shootings and manhunts to avoid accidentally telling the bad guys what officers are doing.
Like they have time to check their tweets, and if so, where is this NSA in all this?
All that data collection meaning nothing, huh?
The ‘‘TweetSmart’’ campaign began in late July by a coalition of nine agencies, including the Washington state patrol and the Seattle police, and aims to raise awareness about social media’s potential impact on law enforcement.
I think Missouri is doing that.
Some have called the effort a step that could lead to censorship; others dismissed it as silly.
Police, however, say it’s just a reminder at a time when cellphones and social networks can hasten the lightning-quick spread of information.
The tracking has it's downsides.
A social media expert at the International Association of Chiefs of Police said she’s unaware of similar awareness campaigns elsewhere but the problem that prompted the outreach is growing.
‘‘All members of the public may not understand the implications of tweeting out a picture of SWAT team activity,’’ said Nancy Kolb, who oversees the association’s Center for Social Media in Virginia.
Yeah, you MIGHT CATCH THEM DOING SOMETHING BAD, and they DO NOT LIKE THAT!
Kolb said she is not aware of any social media post that has led to the injury of a police officer, but she said there have been a few close calls. Other times, tweets have interfered with investigations.
I better watch what I say.
Kolb said citizen journalists generally respond well when the reasons are explained.
‘‘It’s not that they don’t want the public to share information,’’ she said. ‘‘It’s the timing of it.’’
Social media speculation and reports challenged Boston police during the search for the Marathon bombers.
Aaaaaah! The TRUTH about CRISIS DRILLS and stuff GOT OUT TOO QUICK!
Perry Merriel, a trucker from Ephrata, Wash., said he’s not sure why the public needs a reminder to follow common sense on social media. ‘‘They are putting their lives on the line for you,’’ he said.
That narrative is getting lost among the tear gas, threats, and beatings.
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