Much of the media output from the police service comes across
as stilted and even arrogant. The same
phrases are used over and over again. There
is a lot of self initiated trumpet blowing and many claims that don’t really
stand much scrutiny. All investigations
are described as ‘complex’ and officers are normally described not just as
trained but ‘specially’ trained. In the aftermath of misconduct hearings there
is always a statement issued by a senior officer that seeks the moral high
ground and adopts a holier than thou tone with a pledge not to tolerate such
behaviour. This regardless of the fact
that the errant officer was a product of the culture of the force that now
seeks to distance themselves from the deeds of their offspring.
I fear that it won’t
be long before media departments are replaced by AI bots – it wouldn’t take a
machine long to learn what to say.
The worst aspects of the process of engagement by soundbite
can be found in the world of social media.
In the beginning the hope was that this was a vector that would allow
direct contact between communities and those who policed them. Now
these channels are full of corporate speak and spin.
I am pleased to end this mini rant by pointing out that this
trend does not extend to all police forces.
I have been much impressed by the simple social media output of the Port
of Tilbury Police (PoTP). This small
force is the rump of what was once the mighty Port of London Authority Police. In the small corner of social media that I
have access to I see regular short pieces posted by PoTP officers. They paint a picture of a small force that has
a positive self image and understands the niche it occupies in the world of
policing. The posts show officers adopting
a modern approach to specialised policing, engaging with other agencies and
with their stakeholders whilst maintaining high standards of training and appearance. Of course this could be the slickest media
operation in policing which hides many evils – but I doubt it.
It is a fairly common view that NHDPFs are strange survivors
of another age of policing. However when
one looks closely there are plenty of examples of NHDPFs delivering highly
specialised and focused policing. The media of activity of the PoTP is perhaps
a window into that world. The biggest
forces in the country might be able to learn some lessons in how to portray themselves
if they look at the media products produced in Tilbury.
All opinions are mine and are open to challenge. They do not represent the views of any clients of Scott
Trendall Ltd.
Nov 2025
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