For police officers, an internet rant could cost three days’ pay. Forwarding a music video critical of the department to a television station could cost 10.
Law enforcement do not enjoy the same level of free speech protection civilians make use of every day on social media and can be punished for expressing themselves on politically charged topics such as racism and immigration.
And with racial tensions high across a nation in the midst of a contentious and polarizing presidential campaign, where videos of fatal officer-involved shootings of unarmed black people appear in news feeds, officers are under more public scrutiny than ever. Three recent cases in Tennessee showcase the pitfalls officers face on social media.
Read more at our news partner’s website, tennessean.com.
CPD UNBECOMING CONDUCT POLICY
1. Employees shall conduct themselves at all times – both on and off duty – in such a manner as to reflect favorably on the Department. Conduct unbecoming a public employee includes conduct that is unlawful and/or brings the Department into disrepute, reflects discredit upon the employee as a member of the Department, or impairs the operation or efficiency of the Department or officer. 2. The above conduct includes representations made on and in all forms of social media. Social media includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and other public or private technologies that may emerge. This would also apply to both public and restricted profiles. Department personnel should assume that their speech and related activity on social media sites will reflect upon their office and this department. Source: Chattanooga Police Department Policy Manual, ADM-16