Policy Text
n
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL ORDER
SOCIAL MEDIA
GENERAL ORDER: 03.10 CREATED: September 15, 2009 ISSUE DATE: September 9, 2025
CALEA STANDARD:
NCLEA STANDARD: EFFECTIVE DATE: September 9, 2025
ACTION: Amends general order dated October 1, 2022 . REVIEW DATE:
03.10.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of this general order is to establish guidelines with respect to the use of
the web pages, internet postings, and social media platforms managed by the Concord
Police Department, and an individual coworker.
03.10. 1 POLICY
It shall be the policy of the Concord Police Department that social media shall be
utilized in a thoughtful, targeted manner to further the department ’s community
outreach and crime p revention goals. The department also recognizes and respects
the rights of its coworkers to participate on social media platforms. However,
coworkers must ensure that their online content is consistent with the policy and
procedures of both the City of Con cord and the Concord Police Department, to include
the Code of Conduct.
03.10. 2 DEFINITIONS
A. PAGE
The specific portion of a social media website where content is displayed.
B. POST
Content shared on a social media site or the act of publishing content on a site.
C. PROFILE
Information that a user provides about an individual or an agency on a social
networking site.
D. SOCIAL MEDIA
A category of internet -based resources that integrate user -generated content and
user participation.
E. SOCIAL NETWORKS
Online platforms where users can create profiles, share information, and socialize
with others using a range of technologies.
General Order 03.1 0 SOCIAL MEDIA Page 2 of 3
F. SPEECH
Expression or communication of thoughts or opinions in spoken words; in writing;
or by expressive conduct, symbolism, photographs, video, or related forms of
communication.
03.10. 3 SOCIAL MEDIA USE
A. DEPARTMENT USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
1. All department social media sites or pages shall be approved by the Chief of
Police or designee.
2. Only the Chief of Police, or des ignee, may post, comment, or reply on a social
media site on behalf of the Concord Police Department.
3. The Concord Police Department shall clearly identify its official social media
accounts.
4. Coworkers representing the department via social media outlets shall:
a. Adhere to the department’s Code of Conduct;
b. Not make statements regarding the innocence or guilt of any suspect or
arrestee;
c. Not disseminate confidential information, to include photographs or
videos, without permission from the Chief of Police or designee.
d. Ensure that all content is accurate and in compliance with department
general orders.
5. Information which can be posted on department social media sites are, but
not limited t o:
a. When seeking information from the public regarding criminal activity,
missing or wanted persons, or identity of a suspect;
b. Community outreach (e.g. crime prevention tips, community meetings);
c. Time sensitive notifications (e.g. road closures, weather emergencies).
B. USE OF PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA
1. Coworkers may post pictures or videos of themselves in uniform, or display
department logos at their discretion provided that such display is tasteful and
does not bring discredit or shame to the Concord Police Department or City
of Concord.
2. Coworkers shall not authorize any other party to use photographs or other
depic tions of department uniforms, badges, patches, marked patrol cars, or
any other item or material that is identifiable to the Concord Police
Department or City of Concord without prior permission from the Chief of
Police or designee.
General Order 03.1 0 SOCIAL MEDIA Page 3 of 3
3. Coworkers are prohibit ed from posting, broadcasting, or disseminating
photographs, images, video, audio or other information related to any
investigation conducted by the Concord Police Department on a personal or
private social media account. Exceptions include re -posting such information
on a private or personal account after an official department post is made on
a department or city account.
4. Coworkers shall not discuss or divulge confidential department information
on social media nor any other medium of communication inclu ded in this
general order.
NOTE: Understand that personal social media posts or information
shared publicly on the internet or a social media platform
by coworkers, pursuant to their official duties, is not
considered protected First Amendment free speec h. Such
posts or information, if determined to violate department or
city policy, may subject a coworker to disciplinary action.
5. Coworkers shall not post, broadcast, or otherwise disseminate any sexual,
violent, racial, ethnically derogatory materials, co mments, pictures, artwork,
or video on social media nor any other medium of communication included in
this general order.
6. Coworkers shall not post any material that may discredit, or adversely affect
the efficiency, integrity, or operations of the Concord Police Department.
7. Coworkers shall not post comments or materials related to coworker
disciplinary actions or internal investigations.
8. Coworkers are prohibited from accessing social media related websites or
apps while on duty for personal reasons, unless such access is related to an
ongoing investigation or a legitimate work related matter.
9. Coworkers are prohibited from utilizing depart ment resources to access their
personal social media accounts.
10. Coworkers undertaking covert operations are strongly encouraged not to post
any personal identifying information to social media platforms that may
identify