This policy sets out parameters for using social media for official police business, as well as appropriate personal use for department employees.  Nothing in this policy is intended to prohibit or infringe upon any communication, speech, or expression that is protected or privileged under law.

Definitions:

Matter of Public Concern- A current issue that “relates to any matter of political, social, or other concern to the community.”  Connick v. Myers, 461 U.S. 138 (1983)

Post- Content shared by an individual on a social media site, or any published content on a site.

Profile- All information, whether true or false, a user provides about himself or herself on a social networking site.

Social Media-Any electronic or internet based form of communication that allows users to create a platform to share information, ideas, personal messages, photographs, videos, email, and other content.  Examples of social media include, but are not limited to, Facebook, MySpace, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, Nixle, Flickr, YouTube, SnapChat, and Instagram.

Social Network-An internet based platform or other application that allows users to create profiles, share information, communicate, and socialize with others.

Speech-Expression or communication of thoughts or opinions through spoken words, in writing, expressive conduct, symbolism, photographs, video, or related communication.

Departmental Use of Social Media:

  • All department social media sites or pages must be approved by the chief of police or his or her designee.

  • Social media content must adhere to applicable laws, regulations, and polices, including all information technology and records management policies of the Saint Paul Police Department.

  • Posted content is subject to public records laws, and content must be managed, stored, and retrieved to comply with open records laws and e-discovery.

  • Where possible, social media pages should state that the opinions expressed by visitors to the page(s) do not reflect the opinions of the department.

  • Pages must clearly indicate that posted comments will be monitored, and the department reserves the right to remove obscenities, illegal content, and personal attacks.

  • Pages shall clearly indicate that posted content is subject to public disclosure.

  • All department approved social media sites and pages must be administered and managed by police department personnel designated by the chief of police. The department goal should be to inform and create an environment of transparency in our messaging.

  • Any representative tasked with maintaining and updating department approved social media sites and pages must conduct themselves online as a representative of the Saint Paul Police Department at all times.

  • Incidental and occasional personal use of social media is tolerated subject to the same policies, procedures and legal considerations that apply to business-related email and internet use.Incidental and occasional personal use of social media must be done on employee time such as during lunch or breaks.

  • Department personnel must abide by and conduct themselves within the regulations outlined in the city of Saint Paul’s internet access policy, when accessing social media sites.

Use of Social Media for Investigative Purposes:

  • Social media sites can be used to commit crimes and victimize others.The Saint Paul Police Department recognizes the value of using social media sites to further criminal investigations, gather evidence, and prevent crimes. [Redacted].

    Personal Use of Social Media:

  • Employees should be mindful that words and actions taken by members of the Saint Paul Police Department on or off- duty can impact the entire department.

  • No employee may post or otherwise disseminate photographs or other information to which they have access as a result of their employment without the express authorization of the chief of police

  • Social media posts maybe subject to department policies, including but not limited to: General 218.00 Workplace Conduct Policy (Harassment)Order 218.00 pertaining to workplace conduct (harassment) and General Order 230.13 (conduct unbecoming).

Any employee who is aware of or has knowledge of a social media posting or webpage that violates the above policy must notify his or her supervisor immediately.

Revised April 24, 2018

Last Edited: July 22, 2020