LAPD’s blog is more of a conversational piece, filled with stories on community events and candid reactions to current news. The blog is an attempt to create a better image for the controversial department known more for its scandals and corruption than positive activities. One recent post reported on a case where an off-duty bicycle officer and citizens helped save a man trapped inside of a burning vehicle while another reported on a department investigation involving an officer and a failed integrity test.

The BPD’s blog reads more like a police blotter. It does have community stories, but primarily lists crime statistics and a few police calls per day. There is a page devoted to community news and outreach, but the content is primarily based on facts and figures. An entire media page features news from the department for potential story ideas in the mainstream media.

The listing of specific police calls is of particular interest with the BPD blog. One of the most popular features in community newspapers is the “cop calls” section, listing runs the department responded to during a given period of time. Having the information available online, as well as the blog itself, reflects the department’s realization that their residents utilize the Internet more than ever before, and still want the features they came to rely on in a print publication available to them.

Whether it’s featuring police officers in a new light or releasing important information to the public, police department blogs are a useful communication tool.