Communicating with the Public; it’s More than a Tweet

Course Overview

The communication gap between law enforcement agencies and the public creates tensions which can cause local incidents to make the national news. Decades in the making, compounded by legal process and policies, this gap reduces a department’s effectiveness at serving its community and enforcing its laws. But it’s not too late for agencies to take steps toward improving those relationships.

This course provides a fresh look at Community Engagement and the role of public communication within a law enforcement environment. Recent examples show the impact of ineffective policies and practices on public safety, its personnel, and the community. 

Built upon historically valid principles and techniques, this course provides proven directions for agencies wishing to improve their interaction with the public.

Jim Thorburn

During his tenure, Det. Thorburn has been the department’s Social Media Director, Undercover Narcotics Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Taser Instructor and Field Training Officer to new recruits.
Following his promotion to detective in 2013, he established a very successful social media campaign to humanize police and bridge the gap between officers and the community they serve. Drawing from his own colorful personality, he uses a humorous tone in the department’s social media presence. That unique approach immediately resonated with the community to create a loyal, widespread social media following.
Using humor and even sarcasm on social media is uncharted territory for most police departments. However, it’s propelled Allen Park Police to become ambassadors of the city that spreads well beyond it’s borders.
Thorburn extended this community engagement from the computer screen and into the streets with the creation of “Cop on the Block.” It takes traditional community crime prevention meetings out of City Hall and into the neighborhoods. Residents get to know their officers and voice their concerns in a comfortable, non-threatening environment. The program has not only been a success in Allen Park with hundreds attending, but the program has been replicated in other communities.
With one community in mind, Thorburn started the “Extra Eyes” program. It’s a registry of which resident’s have exterior security cameras that officers can easily access. By compiling this information, it’s made solving crime more efficient when looking for video evidence of criminal activity.
A highlight of Thorburn’s career was during his 25 years as an undercover narcotics officer with Michigan State Police Downriver Narcotics Team. Unlike most undercover assignments, he had the unique experience of being in the midst of all the action with suspected drug buyers and sellers. He set up drugs buys, made the transactions himself which often ended with an arrest.
He also brings a very unique perspective with unusual insight into the media world. He is married to a TV journalist for a local Fox Affiliate in Detroit.  Thorburn is a proud Michigan native and graduate of Northern Michigan University. He is a father to two boys with a deep affection for a good cup of coffee and the great outdoors.

People connecting with people never gets old, is never outdated.

Host: The Sidney Police Department

Location: The Sidney Police Department 234 W. Court Street Sidney, OH 45365 Get Directions

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