(and How to Fix Them)
When you’re an officer running a department page, nobody expects you to suddenly become a professional designer. But here’s the truth: the way your posts look often matters just as much as what they say. If your graphics are cluttered, confusing, or hard to read, people will scroll right past — and your message gets lost.
Here are five of the most common design mistakes I see on police department social media, and how to avoid them.
1. Overcrowding the Graphic
A graphic should never be a novel. Too often, every detail — dates, times, addresses, disclaimers, sponsor logos — gets jammed into one square. The problem? Viewers can’t process it all. Keep the essentials on the graphic (what, when, where) and move the extra details into the caption. Think of the graphic as a billboard: quick, clear, and impossible to miss.
2. Using Random Colors
That neon green background? The bright red text over a dark photo? Random colors don’t just clash — they make your department look inconsistent and unprofessional. Stick to a small palette of two or three colors that represent your agency. If your department has official colors, use them. Consistency builds recognition, and recognition builds trust.
3. Choosing Hard-to-Read Fonts
It doesn’t matter how “cool” a font looks if nobody can read it. Script fonts, novelty fonts, or text crammed in all caps can make a post almost impossible to understand. Stick with clean, legible fonts. Bold for headlines, simple for body text. Your community shouldn’t have to squint to figure out what you’re saying.
4. Ignoring Contrast
Light text on a light background or dark text on a dark photo is a recipe for frustration. Good contrast makes your message pop. If you’re using a busy photo, add a subtle overlay behind your text so it stands out. The goal is always readability first, style second.
5. Designing Without a Plan
The biggest mistake? Throwing things together just to “get something posted.” That’s when you end up with graphics that feel random, off-brand, and rushed. Take a step back before you start: What’s the main message? What’s the tone? Who’s the audience? A little planning goes a long way in making your posts look intentional and professional.
The Bottom Line
You’re not expected to be a graphic designer — you’re a police officer doing your best with the tools you have. But the truth is, your social media posts are often the first impression people get of your department. If they look outdated, messy, or hard to read, that impression sticks.
That’s where 10-4 Creative comes in. I help departments create polished, professional graphics that are easy to use, branded to your agency, and designed to actually connect with your community. If you’re ready to stop fighting with Canva and start sharing content you’re proud of, let’s connect — I’d love to help.
