Hesse Police Embraces Social Media with ‘Cop-Influencers’: A Dive into the ‘More Than Blue Lights’ Campaign
In a bid to enhance public trust and attract future recruits, the Hesse Police has launched a unique initiative: the ‘Cop-Influencer’ campaign. Seven individuals, comprising both police officers and students, have been appointed as social media ambassadors to shed light on their personal and professional lives under the banner of "Mehr als Blaulicht" (More Than Blue Lights).
Building Bridges through Social Media
Interior Minister Roman Poseck (CDU) underscored the campaign’s primary objective: "We aim to build trust in the police. We want to connect with people and demonstrate the approachable and empathetic nature of our force."
The inaugural videos published by the ‘Cop-Influencers’ showcase their diverse activities, from workouts and dog walks to responding to calls in their patrol cars or working at police stations. These glimpses into their daily lives are intended to humanize the police, fostering a sense of familiarity and relatability.
Recruitment and Public Outreach
The Hesse Police also views the campaign as a strategic tool for recruitment. According to Poseck, the strategy is "a highly contemporary and effective way to engage with young people." In the previous year, the police successfully filled all 645 available positions, but the force anticipates recruitment challenges in the future.
"Cop-Influencers" Paula and Serhat echo this sentiment, emphasizing their primary role in attracting new recruits. They will actively engage with followers on Instagram, responding to messages and providing information about the police profession.
Meet the ‘Cop-Influencers’
The seven ‘Cop-Influencers’ represent a cross-section of the Hesse Police:
- Paula and Serhat: Police commissioners from Neu-Isenburg and Bad Hersfeld
- Selina: Police commissioner at the Rotenburg an der Fulda police station
- Christopher: Police chief inspector and driving instructor at the Hessian University of Public Management and Security (Höms)
- Sarah, Kim, and Nemanja: Students at Höms in Wiesbaden and Mühlheim, specializing in cybercrime
All candidates underwent a rigorous application and selection process to ensure their suitability as ‘Cop-Influencers.’
Diversity and Inclusivity
"We have students, a teacher from our university, and officers from the patrol service," explained Poseck. "This very diversity is what we aim to showcase in this campaign, which is why these seven individuals are the perfect representatives."
Long-Term Impact
Neither the Interior Ministry nor the Hesse Police have set a specific timeframe for the ‘More Than Blue Lights’ campaign. Poseck expressed his hope for sustained success: "We are aiming to attract a growing number of followers. This takes time and patience, but youth recruitment and fostering public trust in the police are ongoing issues, so the campaign is designed to be long-term."
