Introduction
In response to concerns raised by local councillors about the impact of online media on the fear of crime in our communities, Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership in partnership with Daffodil PR have produced this guidance that can be shared with group administrators of online community sites.
By following these guidelines, group admins can help ensure their platforms are used responsibly and constructively.
Your role is vital in maintaining a balanced perspective on crime within the community, fostering a safe and supportive online environment, and reducing unwarranted fear among group members.
For an electronic copy of this guidance, please email communitysafetyteam@somerset.gov.uk.
Encourage proper reporting of crimes
Direct reporting
Regularly remind members to report crimes directly to the police via emergency number 999 for urgent situations, 101 for non-emergencies, or anonymously through CrimeStoppers. Provide the contact details and encourage the use of these channels.
Reference numbers
Advise members to obtain and share reference numbers when they report crimes, which can be used for follow-up and ensures the report is logged officially.
Manage content proactively
Sensitive posts
For highly sensitive topics, consider turning off comments to prevent speculative or harmful discussions. This can help maintain a respectful tone and prevent the spread of misinformation.
Content rules
Establish and enforce clear group rules about racist, malicious communications, and posts that could compromise ongoing investigations. Be explicit about the consequences of breaking these rules, including warnings or removal from the group.
Post approval
Implement a post-approval system for sensitive topics to ensure that only verified information is shared. This helps prevent the spread of rumours and maintains the integrity of discussions.
Educational campaigns and resources
Crime reporting guidance
Post regular guidance on how to report crimes effectively, including the importance of not using social media as a primary reporting tool (see Appendix 1).
Legal implications
Educate your group members about the legal implications of sharing unverified information, especially how it could affect ongoing investigations or lead to legal consequences for the poster.
Clear communication channels
Police liaison
If possible, establish a liaison with local police officers who can provide accurate updates or guidance on what information can be shared publicly. This can be through a dedicated officer joining the group or regular offline meetings.
Community support links
Share links and contact information for local support services, such as victim support groups, neighbourhood watch programs, and local community safety units.
Moderation and engagement
Active moderation
Actively moderate discussions to ensure they remain constructive. Use features like pinned posts to share updates or important announcements that can help alleviate concerns.
Feedback mechanism
Encourage feedback from group members about the type of content they find helpful, or distressing. Adapt group policies based on this feedback to better suit community needs.
Promote positive engagement
Highlight positive stories
Regularly post about positive community actions, successful crime prevention stories, and community safety tips. This helps balance the negative perceptions that can be formed by frequent crime reports.
Engagement events
Organise online events or live sessions with community leaders, local law enforcement, or safety experts to discuss crime prevention and safety tips, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
Conclusion
By following these guidelines, Facebook group admins can help ensure their platforms are used responsibly and constructively.
Example of responsible social media post
Local research
In response to concerns shared by local councillors, in 2024 Somerset Violence Reduction Partnership commissioned local research through PR company Daffodil PR, into the impact of local online media and fear of violence and crime.
The research analysed online news and community groups. It found content containing exaggerated threats, racial prejudice discussion, mis-information and sensationalism in media language and imagery, however the visibility and interaction with community policing pages was positive.
For a copy of the full report from this research, please email communitysafetyteam@somerset.gov.uk.