Policy Text
Policy Delano Police Department
341 Delano PD Policy Manual
Department Use of Social Media
341.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines to ensure that any use of social media on behalf of the Department
is consistent with the department mission.
This policy does not address all aspects of social media use. Specifically, it does not address:
• Personal use of social media by department members (see the Employee Speech,
Expression and Social Networking Policy).
• Use of social media in personnel processes (see the Recruitment and Selection
Policy).
• Use of social media as part of a criminal investigation, other than disseminating
information to the public on behalf of this department (see the Investigation and
Prosecution Policy).
341.1.1 DEFINITIONS
Definitions related to this policy include:
Social media - Any of a wide array of Internet-based tools and platforms that allow for the sharing
of information, such as the department website or social networking services
341.2 POLICY
The Delano Police Department may use social media as a method of effectively informing the
public about department services, issues, investigations and other relevant events.
Department members shall ensure that the use or access of social media is done in a manner
that protects the constitutional rights of all.
341.3 AUTHORIZED USERS
Only members authorized by the Chief of Police or the authorized designee may utilize social
media on behalf of the Department. Authorized members shall use only department-approved
equipment during the normal course of duties to post and monitor department-related social media,
unless they are specifically authorized to do otherwise by their supervisors.
The Chief of Police may develop specific guidelines identifying the type of content that may be
posted. Any content that does not strictly conform to the guidelines should be approved by a
supervisor prior to posting.
Requests to post information over department social media by members who are not authorized
to post should be made through the member’s chain of command.
341.4 AUTHORIZED CONTENT
Only content that is appropriate for public release, that supports the department mission and
conforms to all department policies regarding the release of information may be posted.
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2019/12/06, All Rights Reserved. Department Use of Social Media - 1
Published with permission by Delano Police Department