By Tom Erickson, Master Deputy, Public Information Office, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Olathe, Kansas

The Johnson County, KS Sheriff’s Office has fully embraced the use of on-line social media as a way to inform the public and to educate them about the jail and other sheriff’s office operations. In addition to their own experience, this article written by a master deputy in the public information office also discusses why jails should expand their communications into the online social media, the benefits of online community outreach, and how to get started.