Police bloggers take softly softly approach

Blogs written by police officers are getting harder to find as the release of guidelines is deterring many officers from writing about their experiences online.

Over the past few years a number of police blogs have been started, including You're Nicked, World Weary Detective, Diary of a Bow Street Runner and Cough the Lot.

However, some police forces have issued guidance following an upsurge in interest in police blogs, and many officers are stopping for fear of harming their careers.

"The guidance has led many police bloggers to cease blogging, not because they have breached the guidelines but because they are concerned that the Met 'frowns' on blogging and it may harm their career," said a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police.

"We cannot stop any staff member from creating or contributing to blog sites, but we do ask that they conduct themselves in a professional manner and consider the impact of expressing their views and opinions."

Many police bloggers have now decided to shut up shop and concentrate on offline activities.

"I cannot challenge New Scotland Yard," wrote the author of World Weary Detective. "I am weary indeed and cowardice is my bedmate. The protection of my family must take precedence."

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See also:

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Qinetiq to police the airwaves

Avast ye radio pirates  13 May 2005

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