Inside the NYPD: Officers Risk Disciplinary Action or Termination If Social Media Guidelines Are Violated

October 1, 2020 garyglennell

NYPD Public Patrol Guide – Procedure No: 203-32

Date Issued: 09/21/20, Date Effective 09/21/20

Purpose: To provide guidelines to members of the service pertaining to the use of personal social media accounts.

Policy: The Department recognizes that personal social media accounts are utilized by members of the service. As such, members of the service who post, transmit, share, disseminate, and/or comment on content via their personal social media accounts, must do so in strict compliance with the provisions contained in this procedure and the rest of the Department Manual. Members of the service who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Definitions: Social Media – A category of internet-based resources that integrate user-generated content and user participation. This includes, but is not limited to, social networking sites, photo and video sharing sites, wikis, blogs, and websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and Twitter.

Personal Social Media Account – A personal account established by a member of the service with a third party provider (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) that is not officially affiliated with the Department. In addition, social media accounts established or administered by members of the service for fraternal or charity organizations, off-duty employment, civic or community organizations, etc., are also subject to the provisions of this procedure.

Additional information can be obtained by scrolling to page 167 in the guide below.