Ring treated cops like influencers in a bid to boost its brand

Ring looked at cops and saw potential dollar signs.

Years ago, the smart home and security company turned to Los Angeles police officers for help in raising its public profile. Participating cops received free Ring devices and discount codes and, in the worlds of a new Los Angeles Times report, were "urged...to use their connections to promote [the company] via word of mouth."

The marketing move effectively cast cops as influencers, a questionable role for them to play even if it doesn't exactly run afoul of the LAPD's rules of conduct. Officers aren't allowed to receive gifts that could influence their choices on the job, and the report notes that a department review found no rule violations. Read more...