The Arlington Police Department has a lengthy history of finding innovative ways to communicate directly with the community, including a strong presence on social media. The department has now expanded that presence by going into Arlington's virtual neighborhoods of Nextdoor.
By joining the private social network for neighborhoods, Nextdoor, Arlington's Crime Prevention Officers are able to communicate time-sensitive and relevant information to residents in the forum where people are already communicating with one another. An involved and engaged city is a stronger and safer community, said Arlington Police Chief Will D. Johnson.
"We believe in going to the places where our residents communicate to ensure that they are informed about their police department," Chief Johnson said. "By going where residents talk to one another and ask questions, our officers and police employees are in the best position to provide that information in a timely fashion."
Unlike other social media platforms that are generally open to anyone, Nextdoor is neighborhood-based and can be accessed only by people who live in that specific community. Officers and police employees will utilize the Arlington Nextdoor site to provide information regarding various public safety topics.
Robbie Turner, a Nextdoor representative, said that the social media platform brings back a sense of community. One in five neighborhoods is using it, she said.
"It gets neighbors communicating," she said. "Then, they will want to get offline and get to know one another face to face."
For Linda Graves, a resident of the Woodland West Community since 1965, that is exactly what happened. Since joining Nextdoor nearly two years ago, Mrs. Graves has been able to meet new neighbors and even joined a walking group that started through outreach on Nextdoor.
Nextdoor has created a virtual neighborhood watch in her area of northwest Arlington that extends into the community. Now Mrs. Graves is looking forward to seeing the Arlington Police Department join the online conversations.
"We are excited about Arlington police joining Next Door," she said. "We'll get important information faster and from a reliable source."
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