8.157 Social Media and Electronic Communications by Department Members

Question 1

What is the general guidelines of the departments Social Media and Electronic Communications by Department Members policy?

Answer 1

Public employees are public servants and are entrusted with the public trust. Because of this public trust, law enforcement personnel are held to a higher standard of professionlism than private citizens. Law enforcement personnel must work hard to gain the trust and confidence of the community they serve. Department members must give thoughtful consideration to their actions to avoid damaging the reputation and trust the department has with the community.

Question 2

In regards to Social Media policy what shall all members abide by?

Answer 2

Department members shall abide by the following:

1. Adherence to LVMPD 1.120, Law Enforcement Code of Ethics is required in the personal use of social media.
2. Public employees have qualified First Amendment rights. As public employees, speech, on - or off-duty, made pursuant to offical duties is not protected speech under the First Amendment and may form the basis for discipline if deemed detrimental to the efficiency of operations of the department.
3. Department members are free to express themselves as private citizens in matters of public concern to the degree their speech does not:
   a. Impair working relationships of the department for which loyalty and confidentiality are important.
   b. Impede the performance of duties.
   c. Impair discipline and harmony among co-workers; or
   d. Negatively impact or tend to negatively impact the department’s ability to serve the public.
4. Department members will not post, transmit, or otherwise disseminate any information, documents, photos or videos, to which members have access as a result or employment, without written permission from the Sheriff, or designee.
5. Department members are prohibited from disclosing information pertaining to any other members of the Department without permission of the affected member (to include “tagging” in the text or photos).
6. Officers working in a covert capacity, as defined by LVMPD 6.285, Covert and Undercover Officers, will not post any form of visual or personal indentification. In addition, officers working in this capacity will not post anything which could reveal or compromise any covert operation. For officer safety purposes, it is required officers working in a covert capacity and have posted anything, past or present, may identify the officer as a department member must remove all such posts.

Question 3

Can department members access social member while on duty?

Answer 3

Prohibitions

1. Department members shall not access personal social networking site(s) while on duty.