Palm Beach Fire Rescue Social Media Policy

• This policy offers direction for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel on appropriate social media usage.
• It aims to distinguish between suitable and unsuitable social media conduct.
• It also gives guidelines for managing social media’s impact on Fire Rescue’s professionalism, safety, morale, and efficiency.
• The policy recognizes social media as technology that evolves rapidly.
• Inappropriate social media use can harm public perception and confidence in Fire Rescue.
• However, the policy doesn't unlawfully restrict a member's right to discuss public concerns as a private citizen, as protected by the First Amendment but does not make the person immune from the consequences.
• The Deputy Chief of Administration and the PPM Committee are responsible for future updates.
• The Fire Rescue Administrator has authority over this policy, supported by Chapter 125, Florida Statutes, internet and social media use policies, and PBCFR HIPAA policies.
• The policy applies to all Palm Beach County Fire Rescue personnel and reservists, regardless of where or how they use social media.

Definitions

• Social media includes platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blogs.
• Employees should refer to the policy standards for guidance on new social media technologies.
• A Department Spokesperson is an employee who makes statements on behalf of the Department.
• Harassment involves systematic, unwelcome actions intended to demean, threaten, or intimidate.
• Hate speech attacks individuals based on traits like race, gender, or sexual orientation.
• Protected concerted activity refers to employees acting together for mutual aid regarding their terms, pay, or working conditions.

Fire Rescue-Sanctioned Use

• Fire Rescue can remove unsuitable content from authorized social networking sites.
• The Public Information Office has discretion over removing questionable posts.
• The Public Information Office and assigned staff will help promote authorized social media accounts.
• Employees representing Fire Rescue on social media must adhere to conduct standards and proper decorum.
• They must identify as members of Fire Rescue.
• Confidential information, including photos or videos related to department activities, requires written permission from the Public Information Office before being posted.
• Posting photos of patients treated by Fire Rescue is prohibited.
• Political activities or private business cannot be conducted while acting as a spokesperson for Fire Rescue.
• Copyright, trademark, and service mark restrictions must be observed.
• Authorization is needed before accessing social media on Fire Rescue computers.
• The policy doesn't prevent employees from participating in Whistleblower activities, protected concerted activities, collective bargaining, or union activities.
• The public information office maintains official social media channels.
• Launching social media channels under the Palm Beach County brand is prohibited.
• Employees cannot use speech or writing that is defamatory, obscene, slanderous, libelous, unlawful, or deceptive.
• Members can't present themselves as spokespersons without authorization.
• Using the Department's name or logos in a way that implies representation is prohibited.
• Confidential matters, including investigations, patient information, and personnel issues, cannot be discussed.
• Fire Rescue personnel should avoid posting anything that causes disruption to the mission.
• This includes vulgar, obscene, or threatening language, or attacks based on protected characteristics.
• Social media cannot be used to harass, bully, discriminate, threaten, or retaliate against co-workers, even off-duty or on personal devices.
• Fire Rescue personnel cannot use social networking sites in violation of PBC Merit Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or HIPAA policies.
• Employees can't access social media for personal reasons on County technology.
• Information created on duty may be subject to public disclosure, so employees must be responsible about social media use.
• Employees should use good judgment on social media.
• Personnel should avoid posting information that reflects poorly on the Department.
• Displaying personal recognition as a firefighter is discouraged if it reflects poorly on perception of the Department.

Violations

• Violations of this PPM may result in discipline, including termination.
• Seeking supervisor guidance is encouraged before posting anything that may be prohibited.