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NYPD's #myNYPD social media campaign backfires

"Twitter provides an open forum for an uncensored exchange and this is an open dialogue good for our city," department says in statement.

By Evan Bleier
NYPD officers stand around an Occupy Wall Street protester with his hands tied behind his back near the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street In New York City on November 17, 2011. (John Angelillo/UPI)
1 of 2 | NYPD officers stand around an Occupy Wall Street protester with his hands tied behind his back near the New York Stock Exchange on Wall Street In New York City on November 17, 2011. (John Angelillo/UPI) | License Photo

NEW YORK, April 23 (UPI) -- The New York City Police Department’s attempt to encourage goodwill via social media blew up in its face on Tuesday in spectacular fashion.

The NYPD asked Twitter users post pictures of themselves with police officers using the hashtag #myNYPD. Photos were friendly at first.

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But soon, users began uploading pictures of themselves being arrested, including some graphic photos of alleged police brutality.

“The NYPD is creating new ways to communicate effectively with the community,” said NYPD spokesperson Kim Royster. “Twitter provides an open forum for an uncensored exchange and this is an open dialogue good for our city.”

It might be providing an “open dialogue” for other cities as well…

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