Interpreting the unabashed violence in London as a cautionary tale, the New York Police Department has established a new Social Media Taskforce, charged with preventing and punishing crime facilitated by social networks like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
Whether they're boasting about their illicit bounty, fencing stolen goods or simply organizing to cause some chaos, anarchist rioters will generally turn to the Internet for their logistics. Newly promoted Assistant Commissioner Kevin O'Connor will lead the Social Media Taskforce and will scour the 'Net for details about out-of-control house parties, flash robs and 'gang showdowns.'
In recent years, the socially marginalized and disgruntled youth of London, Vancouver, Athens and Toronto have managed to assert their authority over their respective cities. Whether their insurrections are justified or not, these actions will become less frequent thanks to a robust police education in social media.
Police Force Friend Requests
The NYPD's Social Media Taskforce Intends to Eliminate E-Crimes
Trend Themes
1. Internet-facilitated Crime Prevention - Establishing specialized task forces to monitor and prevent crime facilitated by social networks and other online platforms.
2. Robust Police Education in Social Media - Providing police departments with comprehensive training on how to effectively use social media to gather intelligence and prevent criminal activities.
3. Increased Surveillance of Anarchist Activities - Using social media as a tool for monitoring and identifying individuals involved in organizing and participating in anarchist activities.
Industry Implications
1. Law Enforcement - Developing technologies and strategies to combat and prevent online crime and maintain public safety.
2. Social Media Platforms - Creating tools and features to help law enforcement agencies monitor and prevent criminal activities on their platforms.
3. Cybersecurity - Providing solutions to protect individuals and organizations from cybercrimes and secure online platforms.