TPD social media takes flight with Twitter

The Thibodaux Police Department tweeted out a series of photos during training exercises in December as part of a global program.

Officers across the country participated in the fourth annual Tweet-A-Thon Dec. 19 to give folks an opportunity to see a different side of law enforcement.

For 24 hours, law enforcement agencies tweeted using the hashtag #PolTwt updating viewers on what was going on in their community.

“They can tweet about whatever they want,” Officer David Melancon said. “It could be traffic stops, training, or whatever the agency is maybe proposing that day.”

TPD has participated in each of the program’s four years. The effort is in keeping with Thibodaux Mayor Tommy Eschete’s goal to make law enforcement more transparent and accountable, according to Melancon.

“We are heavily involved in social media to give ‘behind the scenes’ looks at operations. It was a no-brainer for us to get involved,” Melancon said.

The Tweet-A-Thon fits nicely with a TPD social media initiative: “Great News of the Day.”

“We want it to be positive so we start the day off with something good. Most of what law enforcement does is positive,” Melancon said of the daily tweet. “This is a way for us to share the positives.”