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HomeMy WebLinkAbout116. 001 - Social Media ADMINISTRATIVE MANUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION 116.001 SOCIAL MEDIA EFFECTIVE: SEPTEMBER 2018 Current Revision Date: 01/23/19 Next Revision Date: 01/23/20 Author’s Name/Rank: Jonathan Chew, Deputy Fire Chief Review Level: 1 Section 116.001 Page 1 of 3 PURPOSE Provide guidance and clarify the boundaries between appropriate and inappropriate use of social media for department members. It will also establish the framework for the use of recording devices, such as phones, cameras, helmet cameras, etc., during the course of one’s duties. APPLICATION This policy applies to all members of the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or Department). FFD members are expected to maintain a level of professionalism consistent with the core values of the Department. OPERATIONAL POLICY All recorded material (video, audio, or images) obtained while on duty, regardless of the device used to record, is the property of the City of Fresno. All recorded video, audio, or images captured while assigned to an incident shall be submitted to the Department’s Public Information Officer or Fire Chief’s designee, if material will be used for public viewing. Once material is vetted through the Department, the material may be used for training or as the Department sees fit. The material may be returned to the member for appropriate use. Any recorded video, audio, or images captured while on duty and not assigned to an incident, must be respectful, professional, ethical, and not discredit or negatively affect the public perception of the Fire Department. The use of Department likeness, logo, brand, uniforms, or Department-identifying items for business or for-profit web pages is prohibited without prior approval of the Fire Chief. Section 116.001 Page 2 of 3 Posting information on patients, department members, or members of the public which pertain to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is strictly prohibited. Recording devices shall not be used to record private and/or personal information and medical information and/or records. Patient care or other private and/or personal information shall not be disseminated. Use of recording devices shall not delay any fire suppression or rescue activities. Live Streaming is strictly prohibited unless authorized by the Fire Chief or designee. Members are not to participate in any malicious gossip or activity which would disrupt Department morale or discredit the Department and/or any member. Members will not engage in speech that is false, libelous, slanderous, or misleading. Cyber bullying, harassment, and/or expression of bias against any race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation is strictly prohibited. Posting information related to Department business, accessible by a member as a result of his/her employment is not permitted. This includes disciplinary investigations and/or personnel matters. Members are not permitted to take or share videos or photos of any deceased person unless conducting official investigative duties. Members are not to disseminate information which compromises the safety and security of the public and co-workers. OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE Department members are free to express themselves as a private citizen on personal social media sites to the degree that their speech, sharing, and/or activity does not discredit or negatively affect the public perception of the Fire Department. Recording devices may be used, time permitting, on responses except for EMS-only calls and direct patient care. Members have an affirmative obligation to avoid being perceived as a spokesperson for the Department unless authorized. Personal social-media postings in regards to duty-related activities and/or coworkers must be accurate and are subject to the City of Fresno and Department policies governing harassment, discrimination, and decency. Any personal devices used in the course of employment may be subject to public records requests and sequestered for civil or criminal actions. Section 116.001 Page 3 of 3 The same principles and guidelines which apply to the activities of employees in general, as found in the City of Fresno Administrative Order Manual and FFD Administrative Manual, Section 109, Rules and Regulations, apply to employee activities on social media. Employees are to exercise good judgment in the use of social media, particularly as it relates to their position with the Department. The Department holds the public's trust and as such, department members are expected to conduct themselves professionally on and off duty. Off-duty conduct may be considered a private affair; however, if a nexus is established between an employee’s off-duty activity and the Fire Department’s interest, then it is no longer private. PROCESS This section intentionally left blank. INFORMATION This section intentionally left blank. DEFINITIONS Media: Shared public or private information and resources which can include text, audio, video, images, podcast, live stream, etc. CROSS REFERENCES Administrative Manual Section 109, Rules and Regulations Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Equal Employment Opportunity Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, Privacy Rule Administrative Order 2-16, Discrimination and Harassment