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Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/15, All Rights Reserved. Publi shed with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Speech, Expression, and Social Networking - 1 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Speech, Expression, and Social Networking 1030.1 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 Santa Monica 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 me dia, 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 em ployee 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. 1030.2 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 Santa Monica Police Department. Due to the nature of the work and influence associated wi th 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. 1030.3 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 Santa Monica 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 a sworn officer who is working undercover. Policy 1030 Santa Monica Police Department Santa Monica Police Department Policy Manual Speech, Expression, and Social Networking Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2026/01/15, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Monica Police Department Speech, Expression, and Social Networking - 2 • Disclosing the address of a fellow Department member. • Otherwise disclosing where another officer can be located off -duty. 1030.4 PROHIBITED SPEECH, EXPRESSION, AND CONDUCT To meet the safety, performance, and public -trust needs of the Santa Monica Police Department, the following are prohibited unless the s peech 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 dut y 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 reasona bly 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 jeopardi zing members by informing criminals of details that could facilitate an escape or attempted escape