Police activities and political communication

• In Event: Policing During Trying Times

Abstract

Introduction: The police communicate to the public the activities they perform, and this offers important information about the image that is projected. Social networks are used as an institutional communication instrument in El Salvador, which is useful for conducting research when access to public information is limited.

Method: 49,000 tweets (X social network) from the official account of the National Civil Police of El Salvador, from June 2019 to June 2023, were reviewed, which correspond to Nayib Bukele´s administration. The criminal policy approach and the positioning of the police regarding criminal activity were evaluated. A quantitative classification and a qualitative coding of the activities were done to carry out a political communication analysis.

Results: The communication of proactive police activities predominates, with moments where preventive actions prevail, but the proactive-repressive approach is predominant. In this context, a punitive criminal policy orientation is clear.

Discussion: These reported police activities are part of a political communication strategy throughout the government that aims to build an image of a strong State against crime, where the police are positioned as a key piece, with elements of heroism, infallibility, antagonism, and discursive victimization.

Author

• Augusto Rigoberto Lopez Ramirez, Universidad Centroamericana Jose Simeon Cañas