The trial  will run in Auchterarder, Crieff and Kinross in the South Perthshire area, reports e-weekeurope.co.uk with officers posting updates on police surgeries, crime prevention advice, road and traffic information, campaigns, and other community policing issues.

“Many forces are now realising that traditional methods of getting messages out, which we have relied on in the past, are having less impact and are reaching fewer people,” deputy chief constable Gordon Scobbie (right) is quoted.

“Simply ‘broadcasting’ messages by whichever channel, is no longer enough. What really makes a difference is giving people the opportunity to engage in a two way conversation with the police about things that matter to them.”

Tayside Police has experimented with social media in the past and in recent spate of suicides in the Dundee area, used Facebook to engage with friends of the young people involved.

“We need to embrace this form of communication because if we don’t engage with people via social media they will move on without us and we will miss the opportunity to influence them, making it much more difficult to re-engage with them later,” added Scobbie.

As part of the experiment, Tayside police force is also trialling MyPolice, an online tool that allows residents to give feedback and opinion on policing in their area.

“The Scottish Government recognises that it is vital that communities are empowered to participate in the planning of local strategies, and feel a sense of ownership of what happens within those communities,” said Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill.

“Twitter and MyPolice will provide a further opportunity for meaningful conversation and Scottish Government awaits the results of the pilot with interest.”