Social Media

Question 1

What is the purpose of this policy?

Answer 1

To prevent the release of non public data for SAFD employees, medical patients, the public, and the SAFD, while improving public confidence.

Question 2

What types of speech are subject to disciplinary actions?

Answer 2

Speech that impairs the performance of SAFD, undermines discipline and harmony, or negatively affects the public perception of SAFD

Question 3

Which policy takes precedence? The COSA policy or the SAFD policy?

Answer 3

This policy supplements the COSA policy.

When contradiction is made between the two, the more specific guidance of SAFD policy shall apply unless otherwise specified.

Question 4

What is another term for user posts on social media?

Answer 4

user-generated content or consumer-generated content

Question 5

In order to maintain the appearance of professionalism, no employee shall post or provide info to be posted…

Answer 5

any material on any social media that is detrimental to the Fire Dept/City Operations

Question 6

What information shall not be disseminated by employees?

Answer 6

protected, private, nonpublic, or confidential information not limited to

matters under investigation
PT and Employee HIPPA information
personnel matters protected by law
info on active incidents

Question 7

What document is referenced for personnel to familiarize themselves with?

Answer 7

SAFD Rules and Regulations Specifically Section 3.00 General Conduct and Behavior, Section 12.00 Inappropriate public statements, and Section 13 Release of information, media relations & outside agency cooperation.

Question 8

Section 3.01 Conduct and Behavior

Answer 8

shall not commit any act tending to bring reproach or discredit on themselves or department.

Question 9

Section 12.01 Criticism of the Dept

Answer 9

Representing themselves as employees shall not publicly criticize or ridicule anything having to do with the dept.

Question 10

Section 12.02 Defamatory

Answer 10

shall not use speech, writings, or other forms of expression that are defamatory, obscene, or unlawful

Question 11

Section 12.03 Undermines Effectiveness of Dept

Answer 11

shall not use speech, writings, or other expression to interfere or undermine effectiveness of dept

Question 12

Section 12.04 Interferes with discipline

Answer 12

shall not use speech, writings, or expression that tends to interfere with discipline

Question 13

Section 12.05 Affects Public Confidence

Answer 13

shall not use speech, writings, or expression that tends to adversely affect the publics confidence in the dept or members integrity

Question 14

Section 12.06 Damages Reputation

Answer 14

shall not use speech, writings, or expression that damage or impair reputation or efficiency of dept.

Question 15

Section 12.07 Disregards the truth

Answer 15

shall not use speech, writings, or expression that are made with reckless disregard for the truth

Question 16

Section 12.08 Public Address or Writing for publication

Answer 16

no member shall make public address or write an article for publication about dept without approval of the Fire Chief

Question 17

Section 12.09 Public statements of policy, org, and disciplinary action.

Answer 17

Public statements of policy, changes in organization, or disciplinary action will be made from the FCO. No such statements shall be made by any other member without approval of the FC

Question 18

Section 13.01 Unauthorized Release of Information: Sub section A Release of Medical Info

Answer 18

No member shall release medical information unless authorized to do so in accordance with Federal laws, State laws, or city ordinance

Question 19

Section 13.01 Unauthorized Release of Information: Sub section B release of public statement

Answer 19

shall not represent themselves as representing the dept in an matter unless authorized by supervisory officer in accordance with policy.

Question 20

Who should a violation be reported to

Answer 20

An employee having knowledge of a post violating policy shall report to any department officer or supervisor.

Question 21

What is the officer/supervisor responsibility when made aware of a violation?

Answer 21

Report the incident up the chain of command.