Fire Protection Policy 701: PCD Guidelines

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of department-issued Personal Communication Devices (PCDs)?

To facilitate on-duty performance. (correct)

To be used for personal business ventures.

To allow members to conduct personal communication.

For personal use during off-duty hours.

What can the Department do with the information transmitted over department-issued PCDs?

Keep it confidential forever.

Access, audit, and disclose it for any reason. (correct)

Share it with other employees only.

Delete it after a certain period.

Which of the following statements about personally owned PCDs is correct?

Members can use them freely for work-related purposes.

The Department takes responsibility for their maintenance.

They must remain on at all times while on duty.

Using them for work-related purposes is allowed only in emergencies. (correct)

If a department-issued PCD is not explicitly authorized for off-duty use, what must happen to it after duty?

It must be kept secured in the workplace or turned off. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a PCD owned personally by a member is lost or damaged?

Members are responsible for loss or damage. Signup and view all the answers

Who has the authority to authorize off-duty use of a department-issued PCD?

The Fire Chief or authorized designee. Signup and view all the answers

What does the requirement of a user name or password signify regarding privacy on department PCDs?

No expectation of privacy exists. Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario can a personally owned PCD be used for work-related purposes?

Only in exigent circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Personal Communication Devices (PCD) policy?

To establish guidelines for PCD use while on-duty or work-related. Signup and view all the answers

What types of devices does the PCD policy encompass?

Mobile telephones, PDAs, and similar wireless two-way communication devices. Signup and view all the answers

What may happen if a firefighter uses a PCD inappropriately while on-duty?

It may impair firefighter safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation of privacy regarding emails and texts sent through a department-issued PCD?

Members have no expectation of privacy for all communication types. Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition should members be concerned about civil or criminal discovery related to their PCD use?

When using personally owned PCDs for business-related purposes. Signup and view all the answers

What action should members take if they have questions about the PCD policy?

Seek clarification from supervisory staff. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of monitoring is associated with the use of PCDs on duty?

Monitoring and inspection consistent with policy standards. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a member uses a personally owned PCD for off-duty work-related purposes?

Civil or criminal disclosure may occur related to their records. Signup and view all the answers

What is the expectation of privacy for members using personally owned PCDs in the workplace?

Reduced expectation of privacy for all uses Signup and view all the answers

What action is prohibited regarding department business-related information on a PCD?

Recording or disclosing information without authorization Signup and view all the answers

What must members do if they carry a PCD on-duty?

Provide the telephone number of the device to the Department Signup and view all the answers

When are members not required to engage with electronic communications on their PCD?

When they are off-duty without prior authorization Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may members engage in department business-related communications while off-duty?

With prior express authorization from their supervisors Signup and view all the answers

How should members document their off-duty work for compensation purposes?

By promptly documenting the time worked and communicating it to their supervisors Signup and view all the answers

What should members do if they independently document off-duty department-related business activities?

Provide the Department with a copy of such records Signup and view all the answers

What does using a personally owned PCD signify regarding Department access to its data?

Members consent to the Department accessing the PCD for inspection and data copying Signup and view all the answers

What is one exception to the rule that PCDs must be set to silent or vibrate mode in the workplace?

Chief Officers Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition may members use PCDs for personal communications while on-duty?

For brief communications only Signup and view all the answers

What should members do if they need to document a situation using their PCD?

Obtain authorization from the Fire Chief Signup and view all the answers

Is it permissible for members to access social networking sites during their duty hours?

No, unless it is for official department business Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary restriction on using PCDs for communication?

PCDs must not replace regular radio communications Signup and view all the answers

What action should a member take if they witness inappropriate conduct involving PCDs?

Notify a supervisor promptly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following PCD uses is strictly prohibited?

Using PCDs to harass others Signup and view all the answers

What type of communication should be limited to authorized break times, unless in emergency situations?

Use of PCDs for any purpose Signup and view all the answers

What is required when improper use of a PCD is observed?

Prompt corrective action must be taken Signup and view all the answers

What should members do before conducting an administrative search of a person's PCD?

Consult with the Fire Chief or authorized designee Signup and view all the answers

What should members do with sensitive communications on PCDs?

Conduct them on a land-based or department network as soon as possible Signup and view all the answers

What does the use of PCDs while driving potentially affect?

Safety and public perception Signup and view all the answers

When can firefighters operating emergency vehicles use a PCD?

For matters of urgent nature or when stopped at an appropriate location Signup and view all the answers

What should members who operate vehicles not equipped with lights and siren do regarding PCD use?

Utilize PCDs only if they can be used hands-free Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary risk associated with conversations held on PCDs?

Conversations may be intercepted or overheard Signup and view all the answers

What is encouraged regarding training on PCD use in the workplace?

Members under command should receive appropriate training Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

New Lenox Fire Protection District Policy 701: Personal Communication Devices (PCD)

Purpose: To establish guidelines for using department-issued and personally owned mobile telephones and communication devices while on duty or for work-related purposes.
Definition: PCD includes mobile telephones, PDAs, wireless two-way communications, and devices with portable Internet access.
PCD Use: Includes placing and receiving calls, texting, blogging, emailing, using camera features, playing games, and accessing the internet.
Department Issuance: PCDs are provided at the department's discretion for on-duty performance.
Department-Issued PCDs: Remain the sole property of the department and are subject to inspection and monitoring at any time, including content.
Off-Duty Use: Department-issued PCDs are not generally authorized for off-duty use, unless explicitly authorized by the Fire Chief or designee.
Personally Owned PCDs: Can be carried on duty with conditions and limitations.
Personally Owned PCD Conditions: Members purchase, use, and maintain the devices at their own expense and are subject to the department accessing and copying data for official reasons.
Business-Related Communication: The department discourages using personally owned PCDs for business-related purposes.
Recording Restrictions: Members are prohibited from recording photographs, audio, or video unless directly related to official department business.
Social Networking: Members are prohibited from accessing social networking sites for non-official department business.
Inappropriate Conduct: Using PCDs to harass, threaten, coerce, or engage in inappropriate behavior is prohibited.
Supervisors: Ensure members receive training on PCD use and monitor PCD usage in the workplace.
Supervisor Actions: Conduct investigations into improper PCD use and consult with the Fire Chief or designee before searching a member's personal device.
Official Use: PCDs are not considered secure devices and sensitive information should be communicated via secure department networks.
Driving Restrictions: PCD use while driving can affect safety, cause distractions, and provide a negative public image.
Emergency Vehicle Operation: PCDs are restricted to urgent matters and should be used at an appropriate location when practicable.
Non-Emergency Vehicle Operation: PCDs should only be used for business-related calls or calls of an urgent nature and must be hands-free unless in an emergency.

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Description

This quiz covers the New Lenox Fire Protection District's Policy 701 regarding the use of Personal Communication Devices (PCDs) for employees. It establishes guidelines for both department-issued and personally owned devices while on duty, including usage, ownership, and inspection protocols. Test your understanding of these essential policies and ensure compliance.