Policy Text
Policy
1029Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/03/19, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentEmployee Speech, Expression and Social
Networking - 1Employee Speech, Expression and Social
Networking
1029.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy is intended to address issues associated with employee use of social networking sites
and to provide guidelines for the regulation and balancing of employee speech and expression
with the needs of the Department.
Nothing in this policy is intended to prohibit or infringe upon any communication, speech or
expression that is protected or privileged under law. This includes speech and expression
protected under state or federal constitutions as well as labor or other applicable laws. For
example, this policy does not limit an employee from speaking as a private citizen, including acting
as an authorized member of a recognized bargaining unit or officer associations, about matters
of public concern, such as misconduct or corruption.
Employees are encouraged to consult with their supervisor regarding any questions arising from
the application or potential application of this policy.
1029.1.1 APPLICABILITY
This policy applies to all forms of communication including but not limited to film, video, print
media, public or private speech, use of all internet services, including the World Wide Web, e-
mail, file transfer, remote computer access, news services, social networking, social media, instant
messaging, blogs, forums, video, and other file-sharing sites.
1029.2 POLICY
Public employees occupy a trusted position in the community, and thus, their statements have
the potential to contravene the policies and performance of this department. Due to the nature
of the work and influence associated with the law enforcement profession, it is necessary that
employees of this department be subject to certain reasonable limitations on their speech and
expression. To achieve its mission and efficiently provide service to the public, the Garden Grove
Police Department will carefully balance the individual employee’s rights against the Department’s
needs and interests when exercising a reasonable degree of control over its employees’ speech
and expression.
1029.3 SAFETY
Employees should consider carefully the implications of their speech or any other form of
expression when using the internet. Speech and expression that may negatively affect the safety
of the Garden Grove Police Department employees, such as posting personal information in a
public forum, can result in compromising an employee’s home address or family ties. Employees
should therefore not disseminate or post any information on any forum or medium that could
reasonably be anticipated to compromise the safety of any employee, an employee's family, or
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Employee Speech, Expression and Social Networking
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/03/19, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentEmployee Speech, Expression and Social
Networking - 2associates. Examples of the type of information that could reasonably be expected to compromise
safety include:
•Disclosing a photograph and name or address of an officer who is working undercover.
•Disclosing the address of a fellow officer.
•Otherwise disclosing where another officer can be located off-duty.
1029.4 PROHIBITED SPEECH, EXPRESSION, AND CONDUCT
To meet the department's safety, performance, and public-trust needs, the following are prohibited
unless the speech is otherwise protected (for example, an employee speaking as a private citizen,
including acting as an authorized member of a recognized bargaining unit or officer associations,
on a matter of public concern):
(a)Speech or expression made pursuant to an official duty that tends to compromise
or damage the mission, function, reputation, or professionalism of the Garden Grove
Police Department or its employees.
(b)Speech or expression that, while not made pursuant to an official duty, is significantly
linked to, or related to, the Garden Grove Police Department and tends to compromise
or damage the mission, function, reputation, or professionalism of the Garden Grove
Police Department or its employees. Examples may include:
1.Statements that indicate disregard for the law or the state or U.S. Constitution.
2.Expression that demonstrates support for criminal activity.
3.Participating in sexually explicit photographs or videos for compensation or
distribution.
(c)Speech or expression that could reasonably be foreseen as having a negative impact
on the credibility of the employee as a witness. For example, posting statements or
expressions to a website that glorify or endorse dishonesty, unlawful discrimination,
or illegal behavior.
(d)Speech or expression of any form that could reasonably be foreseen as having a
negative impact on the safety of the employees of the Department. For example,
a statement on a blog that provides specific details as to how and when prisoner
transportations are made could reasonably be foreseen as potentially jeopardizing
employees by informing criminals of details that could facilitate an escape or attempted
escape.
(e)Speech or expression that is contrary to the canons of the Law Enforcement Code of
Ethics as adopted by the Garden Grove Police Department.
(f)Use or disclosure, through whatever means, of any information, photograph, video, or
other recording obtained or accessible as a result of employment with the Department
for financial or personal gain, or any disclosure of such materials without the express
authorization of the Chief of Police or the authorized designee.
(g)Posting, transmitting, or disseminating any photographs, video or audio recordings,
likenesses or images of department logos, emblems, uniforms, badges, patches,
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Employee Speech, Expression and Social Networking
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/03/19, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentEmployee Speech, Expression and Social
Networking -