Police Osnabrück is moving to WhatsApp: New ways of citizens' communication

Police Osnabrück is moving to WhatsApp: New ways of citizens' communication

The Osnabrück police department causes a stir by turning away from the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This step marks a significant change in communication between the police and citizens, with affected accounts being deleted in a spacious region from the foothills of the Teutoburg Forest to the picturesque East Frisian islands.

The decision to separate from X does not happen without reason. The use of this platform has been changed in recent years that has some challenges for the police directorate. One central point is that the communication channels that previously worked well have changed and the accessibility and user -friendliness suffer. This means that the Osnabrück police department finally wants to explore new, more efficient ways of communication.

alternative strategies for crisis communication

The introduction of the WhatsApp channel represents a future-oriented step, which plays a more important role in police communication, especially for larger operations, including amocla-like and terrorist threats. President Michael Maßmann explains: "Communication and usage behavior on X have changed. For us as a police department, we no longer see the absolute added value and saddles."

The new communication strategy aims to inform the 1.5 million citizens in the area of the police department faster and more directly. Since September 1st, the concerns of the police have been tracked via WhatsApp channels that are easy to find, which have been set up especially for each of the police inspections. These channels are found under the names “police Osnabrück”, “Police Leer/Emden”, “Police Aurich/Wittmund” and “Police Emsland/Grafschaft Bentheim” and are already enjoying great encouragement as part of a nationwide political test.

focus on the online presence

In addition to WhatsApp, the police department has been using platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for their public relations for several years. This shows that the authority is trying to be present where the citizens are. Marco Ellermann, the spokesman for the police directorate, emphasizes: "We have to be present and accessible where people are." This underlines the dynamic character of social media communication that requires constant market observation and adaptation.

With this consistent step towards WhatsApp and the path of X, the Osnabrück police department not only shows a feel for current trends, but also the will to adapt communication to the needs and expectations of citizens. Change is not only a strategic decision, but also reflects a modern view of how the police and public should get in touch.

The Osnabrück police department is the first police department in Germany to go this innovative way. The pressure and the requirements of the police to present themselves in a contemporary manner and to communicate effectively are higher than ever. The step away from X and new communication platforms could have an exemplary character for other authorities and could change the way in which police work will be perceived in the future.