Oviedo Police Department Social Media Policy PDF

OVIEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER EFFECTIVE DATE: 07-12-2021 APPROVAL: NUMBER: Dale Coleman Chief of Police GO 2-14.0 REFERENCE: CFA Chapter 32 SUBJECT: Social Media AMENDS: None I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. PURPOSE POLICY DEFINITIONS DEPARTMENT SOCIAL MEDIA USE PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA USE LIMITAT...

OVIEDO POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER EFFECTIVE DATE: 07-12-2021 APPROVAL: NUMBER: Dale Coleman Chief of Police GO 2-14.0 REFERENCE: CFA Chapter 32 SUBJECT: Social Media AMENDS: None I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. PURPOSE POLICY DEFINITIONS DEPARTMENT SOCIAL MEDIA USE PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA USE LIMITATIONS DISCIPLINE I. PURPOSE RESCINDS: None The purpose of this order is to direct members of the Oviedo Police Department with respect for the use of the internet and social networking as a medium of communication impacting the department. This order is not meant to address any one particular form of social media, rather social media in general, as advances in technology will occur and new platforms will emerge. II. POLICY It is the policy of the Oviedo Police Department to maintain professionalism in both on-duty and off-duty conduct that fulfills the department’s mission. Any publication, through any medium, which is potentially adverse to the operation, morale, or efficiency of this department, will be deemed a violation of this order. The State of Florida has very broad public records and record retention laws and virtually all communications made utilizing department electronic media are subject to the provisions of these laws. Oviedo Police Department GO 2-14.0 Social Media III. IV. Page 2 of 6 DEFINITIONS A. Page: The specific portion of a website where content is displayed; pages are managed by an individual or individuals with administrator rights. B. Post: Content an individual shares on a social media platform or the act of publishing content on a site. C. Social Media: A variety of online sources that allow people to communicate, share information, and exchange text and/or other multimedia files with others via some form of online or cellular network platform. D. Social Media Authors: Department members authorized to utilize one or more forms of social media to post official department content for public viewing and interactive exchanges. E. Valid Law Enforcement Purpose: A purpose for information/intelligence gathering development or collection, use, retention, or sharing that furthers the authorized functions and activities of a law enforcement agency, which may include the prevention of crime, ensuring the safety of the public, furthering officer safety, and/or homeland and national security, while adhering to law and department policy designed to protect privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. DEPARTMENT SOCIAL MEDIA USE A. Where possible, each social media platform shall include an introductory statement that clearly specifies the purpose and scope of the department’s presence on the website. Where possible, the page(s) should link to the department’s official website. Social media pages should be designed for target audiences, such as city residents, youth, community organizations, or police applicants. B. All department social media platforms shall be approved by the Chief of Police or designee and will be administered in partnership with the City IT department or other appropriate entity, and department subject matter experts. Where possible, social media pages shall clearly indicate they are maintained by the department and have department contact information prominently displayed. C. Social media content shall adhere to all applicable laws, regulations, and department general orders. GO 2-14.0 Social Media Oviedo Police Department GO 2-14.0 Social Media Page 3 of 6 D. On-duty personnel may use or monitor department social media platforms for official purposes only; those authorized to communicate on behalf of the Oviedo Police Department may use department computers and devices for official purposes on social networks or the department website. E. As a professional law enforcement agency, postings representing the Oviedo Police Department must satisfy department standards. To be effective, postings must be useful, relevant, factual, and professional. F. Word choice and the use of humor and images must establish a positive public representation of the department and its members. Those managing social media platforms must understand community norms, sensitivities, expectations, and department policy regarding information release. G. The posting of members’ information and photos must follow the same guidelines as the department media and public records policies, emphasizing recognition of potential safety issues. H. Sources of Content may be as follows: 1. Content may originate within the police department, including public safety information, participation by department members in community events, and/or media releases generated by the department. 2. Content may also be generated from outside sources as it relates to the department mission or social media objectives. 3. Content that reflects department members’ pride in serving the community is appropriate. Content of this type may include notices of community or current events that reinforce connections between department members and our residential and business communities. 4. Inappropriate or unacceptable content for any departmentsponsored social media platform or website includes content that may or could: a. b. c. d. e. f. Jeopardize officer safety; Compromise an ongoing investigation; Violate provisions of FSS Chapter 119; Embarrass the department or the law enforcement profession; Reflects personal opinion; or Place the Oviedo Police Department in public disrepute. GO 2-14.0 Social Media Oviedo Police Department GO 2-14.0 Social Media V. Page 4 of 6 5. The philosophy for management of the Oviedo Police Department Facebook page is essentially the equivalent of a newspaper feature page or a community bulletin board; giving the public a variety of professional posts designed to be informative, valuable, and interesting. 6. The philosophy for management of the Oviedo Police Department Twitter page is essentially the equivalent of a newsfeed, typically based on quickly releasing information. Consistent use of Twitter allows the department to be seen as a credible, accurate, and timely source of information for followers. Twitter is useful for a broad range of police and public safety communications, including immediate alerts of traffic, fire, or other hazards, locations of traffic patrols, community event information, crime prevention information, and other appropriate social interaction. 7. The Support Services Deputy Chief and/or others designated by the Chief of Police are charged with monitoring official department social media platforms. The monitoring of comments should occur daily, as time and resources allow. 8. Public comments that are profane, personal attacks, or otherwise inappropriate or off-topic are subject to removal. Repeat offenders may be blocked. 9. Compliments or complaints regarding the professional duty or conduct of department members will be treated like any other public input and forwarded to that member’s supervisor for review. PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA USE A. The use and application of good judgement, decency, and common sense is expected both on and off duty by all department members. Members will be held accountable for the content of their social media. B. Department members must use appropriate discretion in their references to the Oviedo Police Department and not discredit themselves or the department. GO 2-14.0 Social Media Oviedo Police Department GO 2-14.0 Social Media C. D. VI. Page 5 of 6 Department members should be aware that they may be subject to civil litigation for the following: 1. Publishing or posting false information that harms the reputation of another person, group, or organization (defamation); 2. Publishing or posting private facts and personal information about someone without their permission that has not been previously revealed to the public, is not of legitimate public concern, and would be offensive to a reasonable person; 3. Using someone else’s name, likeness, or other personal attributes without that person’s permission, for an exploitative purpose; and/or 4. Publishing the creative work of another, trademarks, or certain confidential business information, without the permission of the owner. As public employees, department members are cautioned that speech both on and off duty made pursuant to their official duties, owes its existence to the member’s professional duties and responsibilities. According to the U.S. Supreme Court (Garcetti v. Ceballos), such is not protected speech under the First Amendment and is subject to disciplinary action if deemed detrimental to the department. LIMITATIONS A. Department members shall not post language, images, or other forms of speech that ridicule, malign, disparage, or otherwise express bias against any race, religion, or other class of individuals. B. Department members shall not post any material on the internet that brings discredit to, or may adversely affect the efficiency or integrity of, the Oviedo Police Department. C. Department members shall not make any statements, speeches, endorsements, or publish materials that could reasonably be considered to represent the views or positions of this department without the approval of the Chief of Police or his designee. Members shall act in accordance with General Order 1-3 Standards of Conduct regarding political activities. GO 2-14.0 Social Media Oviedo Police Department GO 2-14.0 Social Media VII. Page 6 of 6 D. Members shall not post or disseminate content that is illegal, discriminatory, confidential, or that is inconsistent with the duties of a police department member. This includes any form of sexual, pornographic, violent, harassing, racist, sexist, ethically derogatory or defamatory comments, pictures, artwork, videos, material or other references, which may undermine public trust and confidence and contradict the member’s Oath of Office and/or Code of Ethics. E. Department members shall not divulge information gained by reason of their authority. F. Members shall not engage in internet activities involving themselves or other department members in behavior that would reasonably be considered reckless or irresponsible. G. Department members should expect that any information created, transmitted, disseminated, downloaded, or exchanged which then appears in social media and is discussed, displayed, or posted online, may be accessed by the department at any time without prior notice. DISCIPLINE Department members who violate this general order may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. /s/ DHC ____________________________________ DALE COLEMAN CHIEF OF POLICE 04-01-2021 __________________ DATE GO 2-14.0 Social Media