Policy Text
Revisions or additions are highlighted 1 (02/16/2023 ) ST. PETERSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT
INSTRUCTIONAL ORDER
Subject: SOCIAL MEDIA AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
Index as: Blog Profile
Electronic Communication Social Media
Matters of Public Concern Social Networks
Online Forum Speech
Page Valid Law Enforcement Purpose
Post Vlog
Accreditation Standards: 54.1.1, CFA 1.07, 32.05
Cross Reference: G.O. IV -01, Rules of Conduct
CAD SOP III -01, Division Manager
CAD SOP III -07, Digital Video Specialist
City of St. Petersburg, Administrative Policy 070700_Social Media
Chapter 119, Fla. Stat.
Replaces: I.O. V.5:39, Social Media and Electronic Communication (June 30, 2021)
This Order details policy for both Department and employee use of social media and other forms of electronic
communication . It consists of the followi ng sections:
I. Purpose
II. Policy
III. Definitions
IV. Department Social Media
V. Personal Use of Social Media and Electronic Communications
VI. Retention of Publ ic Records
I. PURPOSE
A. The growth of electronic communication and social media platforms has resulted in rapid and frequent exchange of
personal information among users. While the benefits of this technology are many, employees should be aware of and
understand the potential for damage to their own reputation and the public's perception of th e Police Department.
Consequently, a directive adopting a standard of conduct for employees participating in social media and other forms of
electronic communication and activity is necessary to ensure that online activity by employees does not erode the p ublic
trust in the Department or impair the regular operations of the Department .
II. POLICY
A. The Department recognizes that social media and other forms of electronic communication provide valuable means
of assisting the Department in meeting community outreach, problem -solving, crime -prevention, and related objectives
and endorses the authorized use of social media to enhance communication, collaboration, and information exchange.
DATE OF
ISSUE EFFECTIVE DATE NUMBER
July 2021 Immediately V.5:3 9
Distribution: All Employees
Instructional Order V.5:3 9
Revisions or additions are highlighted 2 (02/16/2023 ) B. The Department also recognizes the role social media plays in the personal lives of some personnel. Whether an
employee chooses to create or participate in a blog, forum, online social network , or any other form of online publishing or
discussion is a personal choice. However, t he personal use of social media and other forms of electronic communication
can impact agency personnel in their officia l capacity and the morale, discipline, integrity , and efficiency of the Department.
C. Online activity that violates state or federal law or agency policies and procedures may subject an employee to
disciplinary action, up to and including termination , regardless of whether it occurs on or off duty. Situations will be evaluated
on a case -by-case basis and the prevailing legal standard at th e time of any perceived violation will be applied.
D. This Order applies to all forms of social media and other electronic communication as advances in technology will
occur and new tools emerge.
E. This Order provides guidelines on the use of social media and other electronic communications by the Department
and all Department employees.
III. DEFINITIONS
A. Blog – An info rmational diary , discussion, or commentary consisting of entries or posts that may allow visitors to
post responses, reactions, or comments.
B. Electronic Communication – For purposes of this policy, an electronic communication refers to the sending , transfer,
or distribution of data or information through the internet, over a data network, or by other electroni c means (e.g., email, text
messages, direct messages, posts, comments) .
C. Matters of Public Concern – Speech that relates to a matter of political, social, or other concern to the community.
D. Online Forum – An online discussion site or message board where ideas and views can be exchanged.
E. Page – The specific portion of a social media website where cont ent is displayed and managed by an individual or
individuals with administrator rights.
F. Post – Content share d on a social media site , by electronic communication, or by publishing content on a site.
G. Profile – Personal identifying i nformation provided by a user on a social networking site.
H. Social Media – A category of internet -based resources that integrate s user-generated content and user
participation , including websites and apps that may have a primary purpose other than socialization . This includes, but is
not limited to, social networking sites (e. g., Facebook), micro -blogging sites (e. g., Twitter), photo - and video -sharing sites
(e.g., YouTube), streaming sites (e.g., Twitch), online message boards (e.g., Reddit), wikis, blogs, and news s ites.
I. Social Networks – Online platforms where users can create profiles, share information, or socialize with others
using a range of technologies.
J. Speech – Expression or communication of thoughts or opinions in spoken words, in writing, by expressive conduct,
symbolism, photographs, videotape, or related forms of communication.
K. Valid Law Enforcement Purpose – Information and intelligence gathering , developm ent, collection, use, retention,
or sharing that fur