Policy Text
Policy
320Buena Park Police Department
Buena Park PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Buena Park Police DepartmentInformation Technology Use - 1Information Technology Use
320.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for the proper use of department information
technology resources, including computers, electronic devices, hardware, software and systems.
320.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This policy pertains to the following CALEA Standards: 11.4.4, 41.3.7, 82.1.6
320.1.2 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Computer system - All computers (on-site and portable), electronic devices, hardware, software,
and resources owned, leased, rented, or licensed by the Buena Park Police Department that are
provided for official use by its members. This includes all access to, and use of, Internet Service
Providers (ISP) or other service providers provided by or through the Department or department
funding.
Hardware - Includes but is not limited to computers, computer terminals, network equipment,
electronic devices, telephones (including cellular and satellite), modems, or any other tangible
computer device generally understood to comprise hardware.
Software - Includes but is not limited to all computer programs, systems, and applications,
including shareware and firmware. This does not include files created by the individual user.
Temporary file, permanent file, or file - Any electronic document, information, or data residing
or located, in whole or in part, on the system including but not limited to spreadsheets, calendar
entries, appointments, tasks, notes, letters, reports, messages, photographs, or videos.
320.2 POLICY
It is the policy of the Buena Park Police Department that members shall use information technology
resources, including computers, software and systems, that are issued or maintained by the
Department in a professional manner and in accordance with this policy.
320.3 PRIVACY EXPECTATION
Members forfeit any expectation of privacy with regard to emails, texts, or anything published,
shared, transmitted, or maintained through file-sharing software or any internet site that is
accessed, transmitted, received, or reviewed on any department computer system.
The Department reserves the right to access, audit, and disclose, for whatever reason, any
message, including attachments, and any information accessed, transmitted, received, or
reviewed over any technology that is issued or maintained by the Department, including the
department email system, computer network, and/or any information placed into storage on any
department system or device. This includes records of all keystrokes or web-browsing history
made at any department computer or over any department network. The fact that access to a
Buena Park Police Department
Buena Park PD Policy Manual
Information Technology Use
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Buena Park Police DepartmentInformation Technology Use - 2database, service, or website requires a username or password will not create an expectation of
privacy if it is accessed through department computers, electronic devices, or networks.
320.4 RESTRICTED USE
Members shall not access computers, devices, software or systems for which they have
not received prior authorization or the required training. Members shall immediately report
unauthorized access or use of computers, devices, software or systems by another member to
their supervisors or Watch Commanders.
Members shall not use another person's access passwords, logon information and other individual
security data, protocols and procedures unless directed to do so by a supervisor.
320.4.1 SOFTWARE
Members shall not copy or duplicate any copyrighted or licensed software except for a single copy
for backup purposes in accordance with the software company's copyright and license agreement.
To reduce the risk of a computer virus or malicious software, members shall not install any
unlicensed or unauthorized software on any department computer. Members shall not install
personal copies of any software onto any department computer.
When related to criminal investigations, software program files may be downloaded only with the
approval of the information systems technology (IT) staff and with the authorization of the Chief
of Police or the authorized designee.
No member shall knowingly make, acquire or use unauthorized copies of computer software that
is not licensed to the Department while on department premises, computer systems or electronic
devices. Such unauthorized use of software exposes the Department and involved members to
severe civil and criminal penalties.
Introduction of software by members should only occur as part of the automated maintenance
or update process of department- or City-approved or installed programs by the original
manufacturer, producer or developer of the software.
Any other introduction of software requires prior authorization from IT staff and a full scan for
malicious attachments.
320.4.2 HARDWARE
Access to technology resources provided by or through the Department shall be strictly limited to
department-related activities. Data stored on or available through department computer systems
shall only be accessed by authorized members who are engaged in an active investigation
or assisting in an active investigation, or who otherwise have a legitimate law enforcement or
department-related purpose to access such data. Any exceptions to this policy must be approved
by a supervisor.
Buena Park Police Department
Buena Park PD Policy Manual
Information Technology Use
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/10/21, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Buena Park Police DepartmentInformation Technology Use - 3320.4.3 INTERNET USE
Internet access provided by or through the Department shall be strictly limited to department-
related activities. Internet sites containing information that is not appropriate or applicable to
department use and which