The police department in Gainesville, Florida, launched a colorful social media campaign about alcohol-related sexual assault, warning guys, “Don’t be a D-Bag.”
There are 2 guys featured in this video. One is a hero…the other is a loser. You know which is which. http://t.co/CcU67PcytU
— gainesvillepd (@GainesvillePD) September 13, 2013
The Gainesville P.D.’s provocative tweets got Twitter buzzing about the videos that ask men and women to “step in and make a difference” if they spot a guy trying to take advantage of a drunk woman at a party.
Being this guy –>http://t.co/uh7l9E010f is much more appealing to women than being an idiot that wants to have sex with a drunk girl.
— gainesvillepd (@GainesvillePD) September 14, 2013
But critics charge that the “Step In” campaign stepped in it with this tweet.
https://twitter.com/GainesvillePD/status/378707208189399041
Some took that tweet to mean the department was endorsing prison rape, rather than warning would-be rapists that jail ain’t fun.
.@GainesvillePD …did you just make a rape joke in service of telling people not to rape people?
— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) September 14, 2013
.@GainesvillePD Maybe just don't wish rape on anyone, ever?
— Alligator Army (@AlligatorArmy) September 14, 2013
https://twitter.com/gnewburn/status/378717212820783104
via @AlligatorArmy the @GainesvillePD account just made a males in jail rape joke and then they bragged about it. #Horrible
— Joshua Guiher (@collegiatestdms) September 14, 2013
Recommended
This is bizarre coming from law enforcement https://t.co/Dg3Hploll7
— Sunny McSunnyface (@sunnyright) September 14, 2013
.@GainesvillePD Could you get the police chief to sign off on that tweet?@sunnyright
— Arthur Kimes (@ComradeArthur) September 14, 2013
https://twitter.com/OhioCoastie/status/378738690098724864
The Gainesville Police Department defended the tweet and engaged critics on social media in a way that few law enforcement agencies do.
https://twitter.com/GainesvillePD/status/378717786736181248
https://twitter.com/GainesvillePD/status/378718138357272576
Surprise! The “pretty please with a cherry on top” message just isn’t all that effective with predators.
https://twitter.com/GainesvillePD/status/378720864965255168
The department has also earned kudos for the campaign.
For a government twitter account @GainesvillePD is actually pretty entertaining as well as informative
— Gabe (@GOsejo9) September 13, 2013
https://twitter.com/DanieldeZayas1/status/378636541637455872
https://twitter.com/realgreggles/status/378737985711136768
“@GainesvillePD: Attn GUYS Partying tonight? If she can't SAY a willing YES then it's a NO. Don't be a D-bag You'll ruin 2 lives" <3 u GPD
— Kelsey Teaf (@kelseyteaf) September 14, 2013
https://twitter.com/RKingGator/status/378757357750075392
Despite criticism, the G.P.D. plans to keep on keepin’ on.
Alcohol related sexual assault is a hot topic. Don't drink 2 much, don't take advantage of drunk girls, and help people that are 2 drunk.
— gainesvillepd (@GainesvillePD) September 14, 2013
We know we can't please everyone with our content. Our social media campaign against alcohol-related sexual assaults will continue.
— gainesvillepd (@GainesvillePD) September 14, 2013
@GainesvillePD keep it up. You're doing a great job.
— KRo (@kristinlcr) September 14, 2013
Update:
Praise for the department’s campaign continues to come in:
https://twitter.com/racer88socal/status/378887078026547200
@TwitchyTeam Gainesville PD are 100% right! Blunt & factual using language teens use themselves.
— cathy miller (@chattycatthy) September 14, 2013
@TwitchyTeam I see nothing wrong. @GainesvillePD was just blunt. Not a bad thing, and if it prevents a sexual assault, even better.
— Drew (@ScattyLight) September 14, 2013
I applaud @GainesvillePD's campaign against alcohol-related sexual assaults.
— Victor Gonzalez (@ChubbyVictor) September 14, 2013
https://twitter.com/nextinstinct/status/378895753953161216
Join the conversation as a VIP Member