Scroll through many police department Facebook pages and you’ll notice a pattern: road closures, winter parking reminders, press releases, maybe the occasional “don’t forget to lock your doors” post. While all of that information is important, it doesn’t exactly connect with your community in a way that builds trust, relatability, or a relationship.
The truth is, posting only “housekeeping” items makes your page feel like a bulletin board instead of a conversation. And in today’s world, communities expect more.
That’s where human connection comes in.
Think about it:
- An officer stopping at a neighborhood lemonade stand sparks joy. Adults think, “That’s awesome for those kids.”Parents see kindness. Kids think, “Holy cow, that’s so cool.”
- Introducing a new K9 almost always drives engagement through the roof. People connect with dogs instantly,
sometimesalways more than with people. - Sharing photos from National Night Out, where officers are face-painting, grilling hot dogs, or taking a pie to the face, makes your department feel approachable and fun.
- Celebrating anniversaries, promotions, or retirements gives your followers a peek into the “family” side of law enforcement.
- Highlighting an officer helping a stranded motorist or walking an elderly resident’s groceries to the door makes people stop scrolling and say, “That’s my police department.”
- Even simple posts like “Meet the newest officer on our team” or “Check out our dispatch center” build familiarity and trust.
These kinds of posts do more for your public image than nearly anything else. They show that there’s a human (or a four-legged partner) behind the badge, not just a uniform.
When you create moments of relatability—whether it’s riding down a carnival slide with a kid, recognizing an officer’s milestone anniversary, or letting your K9 take the spotlight—you remind your community that officers are also neighbors, mentors, parents, and friends.
At the end of the day, community trust doesn’t just come from enforcement. It comes from connection. And in 2025, social media is the clearest path to connection.
That’s where 10-4 Creative comes in. I help law enforcement agencies take everyday moments and turn them into professional, engaging content that builds trust and strengthens community ties. Because when your department looks approachable and human online, your whole community benefits. Let me help you connect with your community.
