The University of Nevada, Reno Police Services has become a much larger known presence in the community thanks to Officer Lauren Reid and her work with the Police Services' social media. She has been chosen by her department to be honored at the American Society for Industrial Security's 2016 Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon at the Atlantis Casino Spa and Resort Wednesday, Dec. 7, because of her work with the Police Services' social media platforms.

"I'm extremely humbled to be nominated for this award by my department," Reid said. "I really couldn't ask for a better group of people to work with, so it truly is an honor to be selected." 

Reid became the Police Services' social media specialist in August 2015 because of an injury that left her temporarily unable to patrol. She wanted to remain proactive, so she began managing the Police Services' Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

"With Reid's training and expertise, she nearly singlehandedly moved University Police Services into the 21st Century with timely, informative, positive, newsworthy and, at times, entertaining posts," Adam Garcia, University Police Services chief, said. "In this fast paced society, failing to post, comment or add photo and video content on a regular basis can result in these types of accounts becoming irrelevant."

Reid's management of the social media platforms has helped rebrand University Police Services, as it improves public safety and enhances the agency's community engagement and reputation. According to Garcia, Reid has been creative, innovative and proactive in keeping the department engaged with the community.  

"My favorite things to post are the photos and stories that humanize our police officers," Reid said. "It seems like we are inundated by the media with negative stories about police, so I like to post photos and stories that show that we are people too." 

The Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Luncheon is hosted by the American Society for Industrial Security which was founded in 1955 and has grown to include 236 chapters worldwide. For more information visit the ASIS International website.