Since 1999, Demetrick Pennie has served as a law enforcement officer in the Dallas Police Department. In addition to his day to day duties, Demetrick Pennie is a nationally recognized law enforcement advocate, with his views being covered by such outlets as Law360, Fox News, The Blue Magazine, and The Hill. Among his primary advocacy initiatives is raising awareness for the dangers that social media pose to law enforcement and the community.

On a 2018 episode of the Big John and Ramblin’ Ray Interviews podcast, Mr. Pennie highlighted the lack of responsibility shown by social media companies when it comes to the mass dissemination of materials that celebrate, promote, or condone violence toward police officers. He used the example of a video of the murder of a police officer in the Middle East which he had discovered. The video had been shared more than 5,000 times. When he contacted the social media companies in charge of the platforms on which the video was being shared, they told him it did not break their terms and conditions and they would not take it down. During the interview, he went on to say he is not against free speech, but social media companies need to reevaluate their algorithms to improve police and public safety.