Policy Text
Policy
1023San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/23, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentSpeech, Expression, and Social Networking -
1Speech, Expression, and Social Networking
1023.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy is intended to address issues associated with the use of social networking sites, and
provides guidelines for the regulation and balancing of member speech and expression with the
needs of the San Luis Obispo Police Department.
This policy applies to all forms of communication including but not limited to digital media,
print media, public or private speech, and use of all internet services, including the web, email,
file transfer, remote computer access, news services, social networking, social media, instant
messaging, blogs, forums, and other file-sharing sites.
Nothing in this policy is intended to prohibit or infringe upon any communication, speech, or
expression that is protected 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 a member from speaking as a private citizen, including acting as an authorized member
of a recognized bargaining unit or an employee group, about matters of public concern, such as
misconduct or corruption.
Members are encouraged to consult with their supervisors regarding any questions arising from
the application or potential application of this policy.
1023.2 POLICY
Members of public entities occupy a trusted position in the community, and thus, their statements
have the potential to contravene the policies and performance of the San Luis Obispo Police
Department. Due to the nature of the work and influence associated with the law enforcement
profession, it is necessary that members 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 Department will carefully balance the individual member's rights against the needs
and interests of the Department when exercising a reasonable degree of control over its members'
speech and expression.
1023.3 SAFETY
Members should carefully consider 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 San
Luis Obispo Police Department members, such as posting personal information in a public forum
or posting a photograph taken with a Global Positioning System (GPS)-enabled camera, can
result in compromising a member's home address or family ties. Members should therefore not
disseminate or post any information on any forum or medium that could reasonably be anticipated
to compromise the safety of any member, a member's family, or associates. 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.
San Luis Obispo Police Department
San Luis Obispo PD CA Policy Manual
Speech, Expression, and Social Networking
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2025/07/23, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by San Luis Obispo Police
DepartmentSpeech, Expression, and Social Networking -
2•Disclosing the address of a fellow department member.
•Otherwise disclosing where another officer can be located off-duty.
1023.4 PROHIBITED SPEECH, EXPRESSION, AND CONDUCT
To meet the safety, performance, and public-trust needs of the San Luis Obispo Police
Department, the following are prohibited unless the speech is otherwise protected (e.g., a member
speaking as a private citizen, including acting as an authorized member of a recognized bargaining
unit or an employee group, 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 Department or its
members.
(b)Speech or expression that, while not made pursuant to an official duty, is significantly
linked to, or related to, the Department and tends to compromise or damage the
mission, function, reputation, or professionalism of the Department or its members.
Examples may include:
1.Statements that indicate disregard for the law or the state or U.S. Constitutions.
2.Expression that demonstrates support for criminal activity.
3.Participation 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 member as a witness. For example, posting to a website
statements or expressions 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 members of the Department (e.g., 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 members 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 Department.
(f)Use or disclosure, through whatever means, of any information, photograph, digital
media, or other recording obtained or accessible as a result of employment or
appointment 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, digital media, or audio
recordings, likenesses, or images of department logos, emblems, uniforms, badges,
patches, marked vehicles, equipment, or other material that specifically identifies the
San Luis