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Sample Social Media Policy: It's Time to Give Your Officers Written Rules on Social Media Activities

NCJ Number
231787
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 58 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2010 Pages: 12,14,15
Author(s)
Cara Donlon-Cotton
Date Published
July 2010
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A sample social networking policy is outlined for law enforcement for the future meeting of State accreditation standards.
Abstract
The sample policy outlined on social media and social networking provides written rules on social media activities for police and prepares law enforcement agencies for future requirements under State accreditation standards. An outline presented in this article consists of four suggested and proposed policy sections: (1) purpose - the policy outlines expectations of officers with respect to their use of social media and social networking and the direct effect such use has upon the reputation and perception of the department and themselves; (2) policy - this includes any online activity that could diminish the public's trust and hinder efforts of the department to fulfill its mission; (3) definition - a variety of social media are outlined; and (4) rules and regulations for using department computers or cell phones/devices for any unauthorized purposes.