In an age where bystanders commonly use their phones to document abuses of power by law enforcement, it’s understandable that police want to turn something like Twitter to their advantage.



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NYPD Twitter backlash spreads to L.A.



Too bad most civilians aren’t interested in burnishing the NYPD’s reputation for them, as they so politely requested in a hashtag campaign that was doomed from the outset.

Do you have a photo w/ a member of the NYPD? Tweet us & tag it #myNYPD. It may be featured on our Facebook. pic.twitter.com/mE2c3oSmm6 — NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) April 22, 2014

The initial replies were friendly enough but soon overwhelmed by a wave of righteous scorn.

#NYPD Keeping the Streets Safe. Show some love, and send your pics with #MyNYPD hashtags! pic.twitter.com/Sk31xWjQMp — Chelsea Manning♥ (@shushugah) April 22, 2014

Here the #NYPD engages with its community members, changing hearts and minds one baton at a time. #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/GErbiFFDvY — Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallStNYC) April 22, 2014

Free Massages from the #NYPD. What does YOUR Police Department offer? Tweet at #MyNYPD pic.twitter.com/IFWr8exuqH — Occupy Wall Street (@OccupyWallStNYC) April 22, 2014

#NYPD protect banks and kiks pacific people #Wallstreet Mafia #myNYPD pic.twitter.com/eKiElOg9hI — HDG (@hdgremix) April 22, 2014

#MyNYPD murders people in custody, and because of corruption in the system,the DA decides that charges won’t be filed pic.twitter.com/nr8m09aUtP — Dan Routhier (@Danbobjoe) April 22, 2014

how #myNYPD treats 16 year olds who say “no” to being stopped and frisked: https://t.co/awb00Qxeon pic.twitter.com/MhyArnHKXK — DefendedInTheStreets (@KimaniFilm) April 22, 2014

This is my favourite memory with @NYPDnews <3 #MyNYPD @YourAnonNews pic.twitter.com/DzT9EF8GK3 — Versace Sex Buddha (@RoyalBlumpkin) April 22, 2014

Oh, dear. That didn’t go quite as planned, now did it?

Photo by Paul Stein/Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)