policing 2.0

William Perrin TAL

Policing 2.0Connecting with the grass roots through hyperlocal sites

NPIA Coventry22 October 2009

William Perrin - william@talkaboutlocal.orgNicky Getgood – nicky@talkaboutlocal.orgTalk About Local (West Midlands) Ltdhttp://talkaboutlocal.org

www.kingscrossenvironment.comover 700 articlesFour volunteer writers – aged 40-65Small number of authorsCampaigns, information, wildlife, events etc

•Cemex campaign – long running anti social plant operations•Videos of noise pollution in YouTube – unarguable prima facie case•Send links to CEMEX CEO UKMEA and Council noise officers•Successful resolution – plant restructured

www.digbeth.orgDigbeth gritty industrial area of South B’hamArts, events, positive storiesDigbeth is Good redefined image of Digbeth on lineCosts - £10/monthWordpress blog

Stoke-on-Trent www.pitsnpots.co.ukCampaigning, challenging styleReflects local frustration at political scene3 writers, 28,000 comments on local politicsWordpress site£20 a month

www.harringayonline.comNearly 2,000 membersGreen LanesChatty informal feelWide range of local issues£15 month

www.sheffieldforum.co.ukdiscussion forum3.7 million posts 85,000 registered usersPopulation Sheffield 450,000

www.parwich.orgFour or more writersVillage life – popn. 500400 views a day£10 per monthWordpress.com site

• You can hire us work with your specific community nationwide

• Community sites in over 150 places across England

• Engage 3,000 people• Give people confidence and

support to create local sites using free tools

• Online support network and website

• Funded by Channel4, Screen West Midlands and Advantage West Midlands

http://Kingtonblackboard.orgUK online centre – Marches Access PointStarted August 2009 with TALRural town life and newsWordpress site

http://W14london.ning.comDeprived area of West LondonStarted August 2009 – with TAL and local NDCLocal discussion and informationOver 100 members alreadyNing.com site – cost £zero

Topical appeal yesterday for event today

Reaches 125 people almost instantly at no cost

Highgate – deprived area of Birmingham

Nicky ran TAL session on Monday

Entire Safer Neighbourhood Team attended

Residents involved in website also on Safer Neighbourhoods Panel

Action at own initiative to drive people to meetings through info on website

Simple scan-in of murder flyer that came through door within minutes of receiptWould have been nice to have electronic copy instead...

Juvenile skip arson that could have been multi-fatalLocal source comes to website, which he trusts

Residents-led action to warn others direct, not via policePrivate CCTV footage from building manager

Happy to help with consultations Local sites translate in English and ensure they are locally relevant(this example planning)

• Find local sites & subscribe• ask around or try www.groupsnearyou.com

• Engage with people on local sites• e.g. comment on them, email the site owner, send them stuff

• Don’t be too stiff – like a cup of tea not formal dinner

• Expect to receive as well as broadcast

• At least treat as any other bulletin board, leaflet drop or outlet

• If you have high rank – give blanket permission

• Expect some things to go wrong but more go right

Top tips for police and local sites

William Perrin TAL

If your force wants help to create local websites for your community(ies) contact us at talk about local.

william@talkaboutlocal.orgnicky@talkaboutlocal.orgTalk About Local (West Midlands) Ltdhttp://talkaboutlocal.org