Police get a-twitter to help local dialogue

Chief Superintendent Robin Smith, East Sussex Divisional Commander, has created his own account on Twitter in order to build on communication networks between police and the public and give people the chance to post messages direct to the force.

Twitter is a social networking site where members can share short pieces of news and other information, and those who sign up to follow these news feeds get an update every time something new is posted.

The divisional commander's aim is to use the site to keep the public informed, put out witness appeals, and pick up messages from members of the public and so far the page has attracted dozens of followers.

Chief Superintendent Smith said: "People are spending a large amount of time on these sites, they are an simple and instant way to communicate and we want to make use of that.

"Social networking sites present us with a modern way of reaching out to more local people and we hope that younger generations in particular will become more involved with policing in their areas.

"In line with the Policing Pledge we want to be able to keep people informed about what is going on where they live.

"We also want to listen to any concerns our communities have to generate a two-way conversation that increases the confidence they have in the police. Twitter presents another channel for people to get in touch with us and tell us what matters to them.

"Our presence on Twitter is in addition to the work our officers already carry out on a day-to-day basis in the community and will not replace traditional methods of policing. Face-to-face meetings and neighbourhood surgeries will continue as normal."

The force's Twitter feed can be found at twitter.com/chiefsuptsmith.