A local community officer has been nominated for a prestigious international social media award from “Connected COPS” which aims to recognise law officers’ ability to succeed with social media tools in the course of their duty.

Constable Jason Peter has been shortlisted alongside two police officers from the United States of America, under the ‘Leadership’ category.

Jason, who is based in Irvine, has been managing the Ayrshire Division of Police Scotland’s Facebook page and Twitter newsfeed as part of his role within the North Ayrshire Community Policing Team.

Constable Peter said today: “I am honoured to have been nominated for such a prestigious award. Conversation and communication is at the core of local policing and social media provides further opportunities to engage with local people.” Chief Superintendent Gillian MacDonald, Divisional Commander of Ayrshire Division, added: “Jason has worked extremely hard and has been instrumental in growing the Police Scotland social media footprint in Ayrshire.

“I am delighted that he has been shortlisted for this Global Award which, I believe, demonstrates that our approach in Police Scotland is world class.       “We will continue to actively engage with communities across Ayrshire using social media, which the public locally tell us is very much appreciated and is increasingly where they turn to for information about things that are happening where they live.”