The Power of Word-of-Mouth Communications: Social Network Analysis on Social Media Engagement by Law Enforcement

• In Event: Promoting Community Policing through Social Media and Big Data Tools

Abstract

Social media platforms provide not only a vehicle to disseminate messages but also a means to track how messages travel and are consumed by users of social media. Using social network analysis, this presentation describes the flow of information generated by law enforcement agencies and the connectivity of social media consumers sharing such information. By examining how information is diffused and exchanged through social networks, policing scholars and law enforcement agencies alike can better understand how to leverage the powerful effects of “word-of-mouth” communication to build trust, legitimacy, and community engagement for law enforcement agencies.

Authors

• KiDeuk Kim, Urban Institute

• Emily Tiry, The Urban Institute