First Amendment Protection of Officers' Speech

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According to the text, what is one limitation on a police officer's first amendment right to freedom of expression?

Police officers cannot wear the Department uniform while off-duty without approval.

Police officers cannot express their personal opinions while on duty or in uniform.

Police officers cannot engage in political activity while on duty or in uniform.

Police officers cannot endorse any speech or event without Department approval. (correct)

According to the text, what Supreme Court case supports the idea that a government agency can control public speech made in its name or supported by its dollars?

National Endowment for the Arts v. Finley (correct)

DM 3/606.15.1

California Government Code Section 3302

Rust v. Sullivan

According to the text, what could be the consequence of violating the Department's rules, policies, and/or procedures regarding free expression?

Loss of first amendment rights

Termination of employment

Departmental discipline (correct)

Legal action

According to the Department Manual, in what situations is permission required to wear the uniform while off duty?

In a few situations Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may statements or appearances made in uniform without Department approval be subject to discipline?

Only in unusual circumstances Signup and view all the answers

According to the First Amendment, which statements are protected?

Statements made by an individual that are not on behalf of the Department Signup and view all the answers

What type of speech or expression receives full protection under the First Amendment?

Speech that is about a matter of public concern Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, when can an officer's speech be protected under the First Amendment?

When it criticizes or questions an LAPD policy Signup and view all the answers

What kind of speech could impair the LAPD's ability to do its job?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

According to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling mentioned in the text, can a public employee be disciplined for criticizing their employer's budgetary policies?

No Signup and view all the answers

When speaking to the media or making any other public appearance without advance Department approval, what is important for an officer to state?

That he or she is acting on behalf of the officer's own views Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, which of the following statements is true regarding a police officer's freedom of expression?

A police officer has greater protection under the First Amendment when addressing a matter of public concern. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what must an officer do to avoid any confusion about the private nature of their expressions when engaging in private activity?

Note the private nature of their opinions and correct actions by third parties implying their private expressions are on behalf of the Department. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, which of the following is NOT considered a 'matter of public concern'?

Individual personnel dispute or grievance that is not relevant to the public's evaluation of the LAPD's performance. Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is one means by which the Department may prevent an officer from engaging in an expressive activity in a way that implies Department permission?

Prohibiting officers from wearing the uniform while commuting directly to and from work. Signup and view all the answers

First Amendment Protection of Officers' Speech

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