Fremont Among 'Most Social Media Friendly' Police Departments in Country

The Fremont Police Department is the 30th Most Social Media Friendly Police Department in America's Largest Cities, according to a recent study.

Using the Boston Police Department’s handling of the Boston Marathon bombings as a jumping point, public health resource website MPHProgramsList.com evaluated police departments in the 100 largest U.S. cities and ranked them by their presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media outlets such as Nixle, an online alert system used by law enforcement agencies including Fremont, Newark and Union City.

Out of 100 points possible — 30 for Facebook, 30 for Twitter, 20 for YouTube and 20 for other — Fremont received an overall score of 71.1.

Here’s the breakdown via MPHProgramsList.com (numbers have changed since the study):

Rank

Platform

Points

Stats

60

Facebook

17.5

1,168 likes, talking about, 209 were here

37

Twitter

24.6

2,901 followers, 2,433 tweets

49

YouTube

11.0

12,081 views, 69 subscribers, 2 videos

2 (tie)

Other

18.0

Nixle, CrimeReports

So why is social media important in law enforcement? 

“It is important that police departments are able to communicate information to the public in a timely manner, not just in case of a terrorist attack, but in any type of public emergency,” according to MPHProgramsList.com. “The police are first responders in all sorts of situations, and are frequently the first to know about hazards that people need to be made aware of.”

Having worked closely with the Fremont Police Department, we know how vital their online tools are.

Twitter updates and daily Nixle alerts help the community stay informed, while their Facebook page highlights community events and photos, helping to build a stronger connection and relationship with residents. And while their YouTube page may not get Psy numbers, it helped nab a package thief.

If you’re not already doing so, make sure to follow the Fremont Police Department on: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Nixle.

How would you rate the Fremont Police Department’s social media presence? Tell us in the comments section below.