How much blame social networks should take for last week's rioting is a question that has been debated across the media, including on The Huffington Post.
To some extent that debate has masked the fact that police forces throughout the crisis used the same networks to dispel rumour and help keep the public safe.
Indeed, for many police force Twitter accounts their recently expanded use of social media has come with a brace of new followers and attention.
Unfortunately, however, for one police force on Saturday that excitement spilled over into the inappropriate.
The official Twitter account for Greater Manchester Police, @GMPolice, was criticised for triumphalism when it posted:
"Mum-of-two, not involved in disorder, jailed for FIVE months for accepting shorts looted from shop. There are no excuses!"
Of course, as the account soon acknowledged, the police should not comment on sentences.
Apologising soon afterward, the account posted:
"Apologies for any offence caused from last tweet. Comment was not directed at individual person."
"Thanks to all for feedback messages - all your comments have been noted. You are right, it is not our place to comment on sentences."
The tweet has now been deleted.