Drs. Jens Grutzpalk and Stefan Jarolimek explain that police do not operate in a vacuum, but function within a media public. This public is difficult to understand, consisting of confusing echo chambers, fake news, journalism, social media, and rapid attention economies. Police are obliged to simultaneously explain their own actions and reinforce the public’s sense of security through the media. This mix becomes a challenge for the police, especially in assembly situations, when there are real-time media disputes about situations and their interpretation. The authors advise police public relations, from a German perspective, on how to position themselves within this media situation.
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