Summary and Purpose

The use of social media allows the Orland Fire Protection District (the “District”) to expand communications efforts with our citizens by engaging in conversations that provide and share information in real time related to topics posted by the District on its Social Media sites. It is the intent of this policy that social media platforms used by the District are “limited public forums” as defined by First Amendment case law. The purpose of this policy is to define and outline acceptable use of social media sites and resources in District government.

Examples

Examples of social media that the District may use include, but are not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, Pinterest, Vimeo, YouTube, photo and video sharing sites, virtual worlds and other sites that allow interactive posting of information, images, video and comments.

Applicability

This policy shall apply to all District departments as well as any affiliated government or non-government agency or official permitted by the District to post on the District’s social media sites. This policy applies to the use of social networking sites in the course of conducting official District business and is not intended to address employees’ personal use of social media networking sites. Employees should also make themselves aware of District policies pertaining to personal use of social media networking sites and the potential ways that use could impact their employment with the District.

Policy

The District 's social media program involves establishing an online presence that offers citizens various ways to receive District updates and information. The choice of platforms the District uses, does not use, or whether it continues to maintain an interactive social media presence remains at the discretion of the District. The District’s Communications Department is responsible for the creation, administration, updating and monitoring of official Orland Fire Protection District social media. No District department shall create a separate social media account without the written approval of the Public Information Officer.

Postings on District social media sites may only be made through official District accounts that are recognizable as being affiliated with the District. Official postings on District social media sites shall only be made by District employees authorized to post as a representative spokesperson of the District. District employees not authorized to act as a representative spokesperson shall not represent themselves as such if posting as a private citizen. The District’s official seal and other departmental symbols and logos are the exclusive property of the District, are legally protected and may not be used by others without the District’s written consent.

Authorized personnel shall not intentionally delete comments left on the District’s social media accounts by Citizens unless they are Prohibited Content as described herein, or do not qualify for First Amendment protection as determined in consultation with the District Attorney. If authorized personnel have any questions as to whether content is prohibited, they should contact the District Attorney.

Third party information from District partners may be shared through social media so long as it conforms to the guidelines established under the District’s communications plan.

The District’s social media sites are subject to State of Illinois Public Records Laws; therefore content shall be managed, stored, retrieved and deleted to comply with these laws.

Wherever possible, District social media sites shall link back to www.wheaton.il.us for additional information.

Prohibited Content

The following content is prohibited and subject to removal:

1. Comments unrelated to the particular District post purportedly being commented upon
2. Comments that promote, foster, or perpetuate discrimination on the basis of creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation
3. Comments containing vulgar, offensive, profane, or physically threatening language, personal attacks, or unsupported accusations
4. Language that promotes or provokes violence
5. Content that violates any cyber-crime or other criminal law
6. Information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems
7. Comments from children under 13 (to comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection ACT) - by posting on the District’s site, users acknowledge that they are at least 13 years old
8. Photographs or videos unrelated to the particular post being commented upon
9. Personal information of any person such as social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, bank accounts, address or telephone numbers
10. Private information as defined by State or Federal statute, regulations or written District policies adopted in conformance with the law
11. Spamming or repetitive content such as posting the same content more than two times in the same location
12. Sexual content or links to sexual content
13. Solicitations of commercial sales or commercial links
14. Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity
15. Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party including trade secrets (information regarding the development of systems, processes, products and technology), internal reports, policies, procedures and confidential communications
16. Content promoting the use of Illegal or banned substances and narcotics
17. Comments in support or opposition to political campaigns, ballot measures or referendums

Disclaimer

The Orland Fire Protection District has not evaluated the facts or information contained in public comments and does not endorse any position, product, business or non-official statement that may be on any of its social media sites.