Young employees and social networking -using the best skills for the job
Posted on September 23rd, 2008 in Social networking, World of Work, young people |
I was interested to learn about a recent initiative by Strathclyde Police in tackling gangs and related knife crime. According to a report on the radio yesterday they have police cadets - young people aged 16 who are interested in joining the police - to search bebo and youtube - looking for postings which can be used to identify those boasting about their weapons.
The senior officer interviewed said that as young people are far more “internet savvy” than older officers they were the best people for this job. They can find pages of pics and follow the related chat. And they have had considerable success according to this report.
I am hoping that Strathclyde Police are asking their cadets and younger officers to train and support other members of staff to give them at least a basic working knowledge of social networking. But that great idea of using the right person with the skills needed is surely the answer in many cases!
4 Responses
It’s a great idea, I think there is a slow but growing trend by the government in seeing and using community members to their and our advantage.
It’s about time - often much better than hiring an expensive consultant!
Hi Jackie, That sounds like a neat employment opportunity. Do you think law enforcement agencies are recruiting for this sort of thing generally?
Rosie I agree. Another thing I think might come as a benefit is having younger people working on an issue that is huge for their own age group.
Now that’s an interesting question, Brad. In this case I think the cadets were already on the team. I hope to do some work with the police departmtent nvolved and if I do I will ask that question. Thank you.