Police Code of Conduct approach to Social Media

An issue for us and many others is how you offer guidance to staff about their use of social media. Should we create a new set of rules to cover a new phenomenon or should you just use old ones. Is it really a "new thing" or is it really just normal networking in a digital environment.

It it;
Old Wine in new bottles,
New wine in old bottles, Or
New wine in New bottles.

If so what rules apply

In order to explore this we looked at a range of ideas and concluded that actually the existing Police Code of Conduct probably covered most use, but also why re-invent a set of rules or guidance for this particular arena when we are using the Code elsewhere.

So here is our new set of guidelines for officers based on the existing Code of Conduct.

Comments and feedback either to me or via the force website would be appreciated

To see it online go to
http://tinyurl.com/6gjgcru

Honesty and integrity

Be honest, act with integrity and do not compromise or abuse position.

This means not abusing other social networking users, not disclosing information about

colleagues and not compromising your position as a member of staff or an officer.

Authority, respect and courtesy

Act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect

and courtesy.

This means ensuring that the language you use online is appropriate, you respect others views

and in making your own views, that you do so with respect for others. Light humour is often

helpful but you should ensure you do not offend others or give the impression that you do not

take your role in the police seriously.

It also means accepting that anything posted online is in the public domain, so if you wouldn't

say it to your boss, partner, a member of the public or even the media, don't say it online.

Equality and diversity

Act with fairness and impartiality; do not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly.

The language you use online and the information you post must not be offensive and must be

considerate to others. Again, if you wouldn't say it to your boss, partner or a member of the

public, don't say it online.

Orders and instructions

We will try and create as few restrictions as possible, as you are skilled and valued members of

the Constabulary.

Your access online is part of the trust we have in you as individuals. However, there are a few

things we will require: If you are using your work title or rank to identify yourself on a social

networking site, please use the corporate style for your background and profile picture, which is

available from the Marketing and Communications department. If your blog or twitter profile is

entirely private, and you do not wish to reflect the Constabulary, then do not use the force logo,

crest, or mention a connection to the Constabulary.

It is worth remembering, however, that it can be easy for people to identify you as members of

the police when you are online because of your online activity, what you write in posts,

retweeting force messages, etc. You should bare this in mind, and think about how your

personal comments could be interpreted by others.

Online Code of Conduct – Officers and Staff

Duties and responsibilities

Be diligent in the exercise of duties and responsibilities.

You need to be diligent online. If your colleagues do anything that you think is inappropriate

then discuss it with them, a supervisor or a member of the Marketing and Communications

department.

Confidentiality

Treat information with respect and access or disclose it only in the proper course of police

duties.

It is an offence to disclose information that is confidential, offline or online. Think before you

post as your language could inadvertently disclose an operation or its details. Simple

comments can reveal more complex information and lead to disclosures. If in doubt don't post.

Fitness for duty

When on duty, or presenting themselves for duty, officers and staff must be fit to carry out their

duties and responsibilities.

This is about understanding the limits of your knowledge and skills online. If you are not sure,

then ask a member of the Marketing and Communications department for advice and support.

Discreditable conduct

Behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public

confidence, whether on or off duty.

Online, your posts can be viewed by the public and can easily be copied and posted by others.

Assume everything you post is in the public domain. Remember, if you post things that are

inappropriate, insulting or offensive this will be very difficult to remove. We all make simple

mistakes, but all equally need to be careful.

Challenging and reporting improper conduct

Report, challenge or take action against the conduct of colleagues which has fallen below the

standards of professional behaviour expected.

This is a clear direction that you have a duty to report matters that offend against the Standards

of Professional Behaviour both offline and online.


This has now been published on our website for other users information