Police like Facebook too (but it causes problems)

Freedom of Information requests produce some really interesting results, and a recent requests submitted by the Press Association has provided some really interesting data about police officers use of facebook. Police are humans and susceptible to the same temptations as us all. However, they are expected to maintain high standards of professionalism and confidentiality, and it appears the various police forces around the country are now taking steps to reinforce this message. Apart from other reasons, police ought to be aware of the potential danger to them of revealing their personal information online, when they may have been instrumental in arresting and convicting hardened criminals.

Anyway, here are some of the facts disclosed by the FOI request :-

• In the last 4 years,  7 police officers have been dismissed, anumber of others have resigned and and 150 faced disciplinary action after posting inappropriate photos or comments on Facebook
• Facebook activity had included details of police operations and befriending victims.
• 187 complaints were received about officers over use of Facebook.
• An additional nearly 90 officers were subject to management action
• A study of eight forces found that over 3 of officers or staff using Facebook identified themselves as police employees and some 15% displayed police-related content in their profile picture.