The Evolution of Police Social Media Strategies with Deputy Chief Dana Coston

Deputy Chief Dana Coston joins us on the Cape CopCast to share his remarkable journey through the ranks of law enforcement. He started his career in the midst of the crack epidemic in Fulton County, Atlanta, and eventually relocated to Cape Coral in 2000, where he's served his community since. Learn how his diverse experiences from serving as a school resource officer to his pioneering work with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, have shaped his approach to modernizing law enforcement communications and social media strategies. Deputy Chief Coston is responsible for the creation of the department's Public Affairs Office, which serves as the liaison between the community and the agency. He played a pioneering role in the department's focus on transparency and adaptability.Explore the intricacies of maintaining public trust in law enforcement through transparent communication and strategic social media use. Delve into the Cape Coral Police Department’s innovative approach to storytelling, where Deputy Chief Coston emphasizes the importance of being upfront about both triumphs and setbacks. Discover how the department’s guerrilla news outlet-style Public Affairs Office engages the community with dynamic content, especially during critical situations. This episode shines a light on the evolving relationship between the department and the community through social media engagement and the diverse experiences of the Public Affairs team.