You can thank Scott Mills @GraffitiBMXCop for his service to the people of Toronto & the online community by voting for him in the Shorty Awards in the Best Life-Saving Hero Category.
I have known Scott Mills for a few years now and I have witnessed first hand his dedication to helping others and making our communities safer first hand. He is a credit to the Toronto Police Service and his community. On his last vacation, he was still helping Crime Stoppers and community members.
Scott’s tireless dedication to duty and public service is “top drawer” as my Twitter friend @MarkShaw says. Scott really needs to be acknowledged for his valuable contributions to the community and to social media.
Let me share my experiences. On a trip to Toronto, where I spoke to police executives from across Canada, Scott took me into the Toronto community. I really felt that we where we actually make a difference right there and right then. We went into a school that was surrounded by 3 different gangs.
We connected with the school principal, and we shared with elementary school kids and got their feedback. After we answered their questions, I asked them what they wanted the police to do for them. Their answers were amazing.
Most of the kids felt bullied at one time. They wanted to feel safe. Scott has been hanging out with these kids and going beyond what a police officer might do. From creating BMX biking events and positive graffiti wall mural events, Scott has put his boots on the ground and gotten his hands dirty.
Scott is a voice of concern for crime victims. On my visit, we did a press conference with crime victims. Scott gives these victims a voice that they might not otherwise have. He showed me where one of the teens was gunned down at a bus stop. This really moved me to stand on a spot where someone was shot.
We added the bus stop location to Foursquare. And by the way, we were at a location where a car full of gang members could go by shooting at any time.
Through Scott’s use of social media and his boots on the ground presence, I feel that he has connected with the community as very few others have. Community members share things with him that others don’t get to hear first hand.
Scott has so many social media connections that many social media “Rock Stars” would be envious. Yet he remains the most down to earth and the humble guy I have met on social media. I find this refreshing because so many have let social media importance go to their heads. Scott is a big guy on social media, that makes everyone feel like they matter.
Scott was and is a trailblazer for social media in law enforcement. He was developing methods and procedures while others were running the other way. Today, there are some who would try to downgrade his impact on social media and community policing. That’s why I feel that it is important to acknowledge what Scott has done at this time.
I have personally learned a lot of great ideas and methods from Scott Mills. Many police forces, as well as Crime Stopper Programs, have benefited from what Scott has started and generously shared.
So it’s time to acknowledge all the good that Scott has done to make us safer. These groundbreaking methods are making many communities safer because he was the guy that figured out best practices. Much of what others are doing now was influenced by what Scott did at the very first.
So how can you help? You can help by voting for Scott Mills @GraffitiBMXCop on the Shorty Awards; in the Life-Saving Hero category.
We should acknowledge the hard work of a social media trailblazer. I can honestly say that Scott is making a difference in community safety. He is a real l”Life-Saving Hero”. Pleasure cast your vote and acknowledge what he has done. You can matter by doing this simple act of kindness. Thanks.
