Should Public Safety Agencies Explore Bluesky and TruthSocial?

The digital landscape of social media is constantly evolving, and public safety agencies must stay caught up. With the rise of alternative platforms like Bluesky and TruthSocial, evaluating whether these emerging spaces could enhance public safety communication and foster stronger community engagement is essential. Here’s what you need to know about these platforms, their potential, and how they might reshape public safety strategies.

The Rise of Bluesky and TruthSocial

Bluesky, a decentralized social media platform founded by Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, focuses on giving users more control over their online experience. TruthSocial, launched by former U.S. President Donald Trump, positions itself as a free speech-first platform, catering to niche communities with specific ideological preferences.

While both platforms are still in their early stages, their growing user bases and distinct approaches to social media make them worth exploring for public safety agencies looking to diversify their communication channels.

Why Public Safety Agencies Should Pay Attention

Engaging with alternative platforms like Bluesky and TruthSocial can offer public safety agencies several unique benefits:

Access to Targeted Communities

Both platforms attract unique audiences. Bluesky’s tech-savvy, decentralized supporters and TruthSocial’s communication-driven user base could allow agencies to connect with specific groups that may not engage on mainstream platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

Building Community Trust

Early adoption of these platforms demonstrates a willingness to meet the public where they are. Agencies that establish a presence on Bluesky and TruthSocial can make their communication feel more inclusive and accessible, which fosters trust within diverse communities.

Improving Crisis Response Capabilities

Expanding your digital footprint means building resilience during emergencies. With active profiles on more platforms, agencies can ensure that urgent updates reach as many people as possible, even if one platform experiences technical issues.

Enhancing Public Perception of Transparency

Bluesky’s decentralized and user-focused ethos and TruthSocial’s transparent platform policies allow agencies to showcase how they prioritize open communication and public service.

Key Considerations for Adoption

While there are clear opportunities, adopting Bluesky and TruthSocial requires careful planning. Here are some factors to consider:

Understand the Platform Audience

Evaluate each platform’s user demographics to determine if they align with the communities you serve. For instance, if your jurisdiction includes tech-forward residents, Bluesky may be a strategic fit. If your community includes TruthSocial’s ideologically driven users, engaging there could deepen trust.

Train Your Teams

Ensure your Public Information Officers (PIOs) and social media managers are equipped to use these platforms effectively. Bluesky and TruthSocial have distinct cultures and expectations, requiring tailored messaging strategies.

Monitor Policy Compliance

Each platform has its own rules governing communication. You can familiarize yourself with these policies to ensure that all public safety content follows guidelines and upholds agency professionalism.

Consider Ethical Implications

Agencies should carefully weigh the potential risks of misinformation or divisive content on specific platforms, ensuring that public safety communications remain neutral, factual, and inclusive.

The Role of Early Adoption

One of the most significant advantages of engaging with emerging platforms early is the opportunity to shape the conversation. Early adopters often become thought leaders within these communities and can help establish best practices for public safety use cases.

By the time these platforms reach critical mass, agencies with an established presence will already be recognized as voices of authority and reliability. This proactive approach strengthens relationships with digital communities while positioning your agency as an innovator in public safety communications.

The Future of Public Safety Communication

Public safety agencies have long relied on platforms like Facebook and Twitter to disseminate information and engage with their communities. However, the emergence of alternatives like Bluesky and TruthSocial highlights the importance of adaptability. Adopting these platforms can improve your agency’s ability to inform, protect, and connect with your community while showing your commitment to scaling with the evolving ways people communicate online.

Share Your Thoughts

Does your agency plan to adopt Bluesky or TruthSocial? Or are you sticking with traditional platforms for now? We’d love to hear your insights. Comment below or send us a message to share your experience leveraging social media for public safety.

Final Takeaway

The public safety communication landscape is changing rapidly. Platforms like Bluesky and TruthSocial may still need to rival mainstream giants, but their dynamic growth represents an opportunity for agencies to innovate and lead. By expanding your digital toolkit, you can strengthen ties with your community and improve the effectiveness of your public safety efforts.

NOTE: The original version of this article can be found on TOC's blog. This version has been rewritten for the LinkedIn community.