Behind @SaskatoonPolice

Kelsey Fraser is the woman behind the SPS's social media accounts.

Police organizations have always been forced to embrace new technology. From fingerprinting to modern DNA testing, the tools of trade for police work have faced decades of evolution.

One major recent evolution for the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS) has been the move to manually controlled social media accounts. Before April 2012, the majority of their online presence was automatically broadcasted and created a one-way lane for communication.

When they hired Kelsie Fraser, things changed. With Fraser on board, the SPS has opened up a two-way dialogue with their community.

Recent trouble with the Regina Police Service’s Facebook page has highlighted some of the challenges police agencies face when dealing with social media.

“On Twitter, once it’s out there, it’s out there. You can only respond. On Facebook you’ve given ownership of it,” Fraser said. The SPS Facebook site has its terms of use posted directly in the notes section of the page. No racism, slander, or threats. When a comment crosses the line, Fraser removes it, but she lets the poster know and invites them to continue to comment so long as it follows the rules.

According to Fraser, the comments are incident-based. In January 2013, allegations against the SPS arose claiming officers had picked up and dropped off an aboriginal youth on the outskirts of the city. Given Saskatoon’s history of starlight tours, the controversy spread quickly. “That was obviously one that sparked a number of comments with racial undertones,” Fraser said, adding that it was monitored very closely.

Keeping tabs on stories can be a challenge when the job in charge of it is a nine to five. Fraser admitted that sometimes she brings her work home with her, but she said that quickly checking Facebook or Twitter doesn’t really feel like work.

“I do my best, but of course social media doesn’t sleep. It can be a bit of a tricky thing. You’re always wanting to the best you can, but I think any police service faces that. Right now it’s just me here and we’re making due the best we can,” she said.

Besides slanderous or inappropriate comments, Fraser also has to deal with people online just looking to pick a fight. Laughing, she said, “There are certainly those times.” Fraser said it’s human nature to get defensive, but the key to keeping the accounts professional is remembering you’re representing an important organization

When the SPS did a campaign about auto theft, Fraser took a picture of her keys in the ignition of her car and posted it online with the caption, “what’s wrong with this picture?”

“I drive a Mazda. And I love my Mazda. And people were like, ‘Well, it’s a Mazda,’” Fraser said laughing.

While social media provides challenges, the goal is to create conversation and a presence in the online community. Fraser said it’s doing just that.

“Nothing will replace the face to face communication, but social media allows you to grow those relationships,” she said.