Department's Playful Tweet Walks Line Between Strict Enforcement, Community Engagement
WYOMING, Minn. (CBS4) - A Minnesota police department took a light-hearted approach Thursday to the pro-marijuana culture's annual celebration of 4/20.
The Wyoming Police Department tweeted "Uncover #420 operations are in place. Discreet traps have been set up throughout the city today."
The tweet featured a staged photo of an officer with a butterfly net ready to pounce on presumably unwary cannabis enthusiasts lured by a collection of snacks, soda, and a video game.
Undercover #420 operations are in place. Discreet traps have been set up throughout the city today. #Happy420 pic.twitter.com/Jo8mh0Z5lQ
— Wyoming (MN) Police (@wyomingpd) April 20, 2017
Initial responses on Twitter appeared supportive.
@wyomingpd goes for the Twitter win on 4/20 https://t.co/jJV7B6Hmyz
— Eric Karl Hontz (@eric_hontz) April 20, 2017
Not even past 8 a.m. and @wyomingpd have already created the Tweet of the Day... https://t.co/F4AqPGLttW
— ArgusLeader911 (@Argus911) April 20, 2017
You are the best! Can you be my police?
— KEEM ???? (@KEEMSTAR) April 20, 2017
However, the department back-pedaled into a more serious treatment in several subsequent tweets.
All jokes aside, substance abuse is a real issue. We use tongue in cheek humor to bring attention to those issues.
— Wyoming (MN) Police (@wyomingpd) April 20, 2017
With that being said, if you need help with substance abuse issues please contact us & we'll find resources. That does NOT mean jail time. https://t.co/9LYychixly
— Wyoming (MN) Police (@wyomingpd) April 20, 2017
Great substance abuse resource: MN Adult & Teen Challenge - https://t.co/xGElRyPi6U #Happy420
— Wyoming (MN) Police (@wyomingpd) April 20, 2017
One tweet in particular tried to bridge the gap between criticism and support.
I see this as them being on top of that dank meme culture, and not stereotyping lol
— Megan (@MeganPlays) April 20, 2017