Spring Fire Department Computer Use Policy

Spring Fire Department Computer and Internet Use Policy

• This policy covers all computers owned by Spring Fire Department (SFD), including those used by members, employees, temporaries, and contractors.
• SFD's computers and internet access are provided to conduct governmental duties and responsibilities.
• All computers, software, email facilities, printers, scanners, peripherals, and other equipment are the property of SFD.
• All documents produced using these resources are the property of SFD.

Access and Responsibility

• Each user is required to use a password to gain access to the system.
• Passwords are private and should not be revealed to anyone except the user's supervisor or a member of the IT Department.
• SFD has the right to monitor and audit all internal and external email sent by members and employees without further notice.
• SFD has the right to monitor and audit all internet activities, including web pages downloaded or accessed, web browsing or web surfing by members or employees on SFD computers without further notice.

Email Usage and Privacy

• Email should be used for official business of SFD.
• Email privacy is not guaranteed.
• Do not transmit any harassing, intimidating, or annoying email.
• Do not express personal opinions in any external email messages.

Internet Usage

• SFD's computer resources, including the internet, are expected to be used in a professional manner primarily for business purposes.
• Reasonable use of these resources for non-business purposes may be permitted if consistent with other provisions of this policy.
• Good judgment must be used with any incidental personal use of the internet, computers, and related equipment.
• If a member or employee needs licensed software to perform their job duties, they must discuss these needs with their supervisor.

Software and Duplication

• Software purchased by SFD is for official use and may not be taken home or loaded on a member or employee's personal computer without permission from the IT Department.
• Members or employees may not duplicate any licensed software or related documentation purchased by SFD without permission from the IT Department.
• Unauthorized duplicating of software may subject members and employees and/or SFD to both civil and/or criminal penalties.

Administrative Privileges

• SFD or a designee, Network Administrator, and other computer support personnel (IT Department) have the right to examine the content of any computer or equipment at any time and without notice.
• They may upgrade, configure, optimize, or troubleshoot the computer in any way necessary for the performance of their duties, up to and including replacing any component, peripheral, or computer.

Usage Restrictions

• If a member or employee inadvertently accesses an unexpected and inappropriate site, they should simply exit the site as quickly as possible and not visit the site again.
• No member or employee shall make any on-line statements about SFD, its position on any issue, its business, its policies, its patients, or its competitors using any computers unless the statement has been approved in advance.
• Posting messages to or participation in non-business related newsgroups or chat rooms using computers and software is prohibited without permission from the IT Department.
• If a member or employee incurs unauthorized costs, fees, or charges, then that member or employee has the sole responsibility for said costs or charges.
• Dial-in access from other locations or remote stations is provided to members on a case-by-case basis. Approval from the IT Department is required before service is authorized. While connected to the network, all SFD policies and guidelines apply to computer and internet usage without exception.

Internet Service Standards

• It is important to understand that the internet is a network of global networks and that performance and reliability problems on the internet are not and cannot be managed by SFD.
• Consequently, there is no response time guarantee, or any guarantee that a service or system will be available on the internet when a member or employee attempts to use that site.

Security

• All members and employees are asked to report any security weaknesses, especially computer viruses, regardless of whether the source is internal or external.
• If a member or employee has any questions regarding the policies and guidelines, then contact your supervisor.

Department Email and Internet System Usage

• This policy applies to all members, contractors, vendors, partners, or associates, and any others accessing and/or using the Department's system through onsite, remote terminals or personal electronic devices when accessing Department Email and/or remotely logging into Spring Fire Departments Domain.
• The system, and all data transmitted or received through the system, are the exclusive property of the Department.
• No individual should have any expectation of privacy in any communication over this system. ALL information transmitted is public knowledge via PIA (Public Information Act) requests.

System Monitoring

• The Department reserves the right to monitor, intercept, and/or review all data transmitted, received, or downloaded over the system.
• The Department's interests in monitoring and intercepting data include, but are not limited to:
  • Protection of Department proprietary and classified data;
  • Managing the use of the Department's computer system;
  • Preventing the transmission or receipt of inappropriate materials by members;
  • Assisting the member in the management of electronic data during periods of absence.

Disciplinary Action

• Any member who abuses the privilege of access to the Department's voicemail, email, or the Internet system will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination of membership.
• If necessary, the Department will also advise law enforcement officials of any illegal conduct.

Computer and Internet Policy

• Spring Fire Department (SFD) has established policies and guidelines for the use of computers, internet, and email.
• All computers owned by SFD, including those issued to individuals for use outside of the department's property, are covered by these policies.
• Computers purchased with funds other than personal money are considered SFD property.
• SFD provides these resources to its members and employees to conduct governmental duties and responsibilities.

Password Access and Monitoring

• Each user is required to use a password to access the system.
• Passwords are private and should not be shared with anyone except the user's supervisor or a member of the IT department.
• SFD has the right to monitor and audit all internal and external emails sent by members and employees without notice.
• SFD has the right to monitor and audit all internet activities, including web pages accessed, browsing, and surfing on SFD computers without notice.

Email Usage

• Email privacy is not guaranteed.
• Email should be used for official business of SFD.
• Harassing, intimidating, or annoying emails are prohibited.
• Personal opinions should not be expressed in external emails.
• SFD computer resources, including the internet, are expected to be used in a professional manner primarily for business purposes.
• Reasonable use of these resources for non-business purposes may be permitted if consistent with other provisions of the policy.

Software and Licensing

• Members or employees need to discuss the needs for licensed software with their supervisor.
• Significant penalties may be imposed for violations of software licensing agreements.
• Software duplication is prohibited without permission from the IT Department.
• Unauthorized software duplication may subject individuals and SFD to civil and criminal penalties.
• SFD software may not be taken home or loaded onto personal computers without permission.

Access and Control

• The IT Department (Network Administrators and computer support personnel) have the right to examine the content of any computer or equipment at any time without notice.
• They may upgrade, optimize, or troubleshoot the computer, including replacing components or peripherals.
• If a member or employee inadvertently accesses an inappropriate site, they should exit the site and not visit it again.
• If this becomes a problem, the member should contact their supervisor.
• No member or employee shall make online statements about SFD without prior approval.
• Posting messages to or participating in non-business related newsgroups or chat rooms is prohibited without permission.

Internet Service Standards

• The internet is a network of global networks; performance and reliability issues are not managed by SFD.
• There is no response time guarantee or any guarantee that a service will be available when a member or employee attempts to use it.

Security

• All members and employees are asked to report any security weaknesses, especially computer viruses, regardless of the source.
• If a member or employee has any questions regarding the policies and guidelines, they should contact their supervisor.

Email/Internet System Policy

• The policy applies to all members, contractors, vendors, partners, and associates who access the department's system.
• The system, and all data transmitted or received through it, are the exclusive property of the department.
• Department email is for department-related business only; personal use is prohibited, including on personal devices using department email addresses.
• No individual has an expectation of privacy in communications over the system.
• The department reserves the right to monitor, intercept, and review all data transmitted, received, or downloaded over the system. This right will be exercised periodically without prior notice.
• The department's interests in monitoring data include:
  • Protecting department proprietary and classified data.
  • Managing the use of the department's computer system.
  • Preventing the transmission or receipt of inappropriate materials by members.
  • Assisting members with electronic data management during periods of absence.
• Any member who abuses the privilege of access to the department's email or internet system will be subject to corrective action, up to and including termination of membership.
• The department will advise law enforcement officials of any illegal conduct.

Computer and Internet Access Policy

• Spring Fire Department (SFD) outlines a policy for responsible computer and internet usage for all members and employees.
• All computers owned by SFD, including personally owned computers used on SFD property, are subject to the policy.
• The policy emphasizes ethical and responsible computer use, with violations potentially resulting in disciplinary action.
• Password access is required, with each user responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their password.
• SFD reserves the right to monitor and audit all email and internet activity on SFD computers without notice.
• Email should be used for official business, and privacy is not guaranteed.
• Transmission of harassing, intimidating, or annoying emails is prohibited.
• Personal opinions should not be expressed in external emails.
• Computer resources are primarily for business purposes, but reasonable personal use may be permitted.
• Proper judgment must be exercised with any incidental personal use.
• All files transmitted to SFD computers must be checked for viruses before use.
• Examples of inappropriate computer use include accessing pornography, operating a private business, transmitting confidential information without approval, viewing racist material, sending chain letters, gambling, or using inappropriate language in emails.
• All computer use must comply with federal, state, and local laws.
• Downloading materials should be limited to those related to SFD business.
• Employees should use alternative methods like phone or libraries if appropriate for obtaining information.
• Software transmission and installation without the IT Department's approval is prohibited.
• Software duplication requires permission from the IT Department.
• Unauthorized duplication of software may result in civil and/or criminal penalties.
• Software purchased by SFD is for official use and may not be taken home unless authorized by the IT Department.
• The IT Department has the right to examine and modify computers as necessary.
• Members and employees should exit and avoid returning to inappropriate websites accessed inadvertently.
• Online statements about SFD require prior approval.
• Participation in non-business-related newsgroups or chat rooms is prohibited without permission.
• Unauthorized costs incurred by members or employees are their responsibility.
• Dial-in access from remote locations is provided on a case-by-case basis, with the Department reserving the right to monitor data transmissions.
• Any abuse of access privileges may result in corrective action, including termination of membership.
• The Department may advise law enforcement officials of any illegal conduct.
• Members must sign a document acknowledging their agreement to comply with the policy.

Procedures and Responsibilities

• Each user must change their initial password as soon as possible.
• The IT Department and Executive Board are responsible for reviewing and ensuring the accuracy of the procedure.
• Members or employees needing licensed software for job duties should discuss their needs with their supervisors.
• The IT Department is responsible for maintaining the SFD computer network.
• The Director of the IT Department reports directly to the Fire Chief or designee.

This quiz covers the computer and internet use policy established by the Spring Fire Department. It outlines user responsibilities, access protocols, and the monitoring rights of the department regarding software, hardware, and internet activities. Understanding this policy is essential for maintaining professional standards within the department.