Social Media Standard Operating Procedure (PERSONNEL-32)

S.O.P. PERSONNEL-32: Overview and Objectives

  • Subject: Social Media

  • Division: Emergency Operations

  • Standard Operational Procedure Number: PERSONNEL−32PERSONNEL-32

  • Revision Date: 11/15/1711/15/17

  • Core Objective: The Baltimore County Fire Department (BCoFD) recognizes that social media is a ubiquitous tool in modern society.

    • Positive Impact: It is extremely effective for public safety entities to disperse critical information during emergencies and provide public education.

    • Negative Potential: Misuse of social media can negatively affect the Department's ability to provide emergency services to residents and visitors.

    • Purpose of Procedures: These guidelines protect the integrity of the Fire Department and ensure the maintenance of an effective relationship with the public.

  • Policy Hierarchy and Conflicts: This SOP does not supersede and should not be construed to conflict with the following:

    • BCoFD Rules & Regulations: Rule 11, section 11

    • SOP 400−15400-15

    • The Baltimore County Social Media Policy

Core Definitions within the Standard Operating Procedure

  • Social Media: Defined as a web-based form of communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content.

  • Speech: Refers to expression, communication, or conduct intended to convey a message. It applies in circumstances where it is likely that the message would be understood by others.

  • Social Network: A dedicated website or application that enables users to communicate with one another by posting information, comments, messages, and images.

  • Post:

    • Includes any content shared on a social media site.

    • The act of publishing content on a site (this includes, but is not limited to, social media posts, responses to posts, comments attached to published articles, blogs, photos, and videos).

Guidelines for Official Department Social Media Usage

  • Platform Approval: Department information is provided exclusively on official web and social media platforms approved by the Fire Chief or the Chief’s designee.

  • Authorization to Post:

    • Per Baltimore County’s Social Media Use Policy, members are not authorized to post content to official platforms unless specifically authorized by the Fire Chief or their designee.

    • The Director of Media & Communications is the oversight authority for the department’s official social media platforms.

  • Content Submission: Personnel are encouraged to submit media for display on various County social media platforms, provided it is sent through the proper chain of command.

  • Property Rights and Media Ownership:

    • Any pictures, video, or information gathered or taken while on-duty or performing department duties are considered the legal property of the Baltimore County Fire Department.

    • This material may not be used or released without the explicit approval of the Fire Chief or his/her designee.

Standards for Personal Social Media Use by Department Personnel

  • Expectation of Privacy: Members are cautioned that there is no expectation of privacy when posting to any social media or web site.

  • Public Nature of Posts: Information posted by members available via social media is inherently public and is therefore subject to the Department’s Rules and Regulations and SOPs.

  • Attribution of Statements: Members are prohibited from attributing personal statements, beliefs, or opinions to Baltimore County or the Baltimore County Fire Department.

  • Use of Department Assets and Image:

    • Members may not display or post images of Fire Department uniforms, vehicles, equipment, facilities, or other county-owned property that present the Fire Department in an unprofessional light.

  • Patient Confidentiality and HIPAA:

    • Members may not post information, images, video, or content that impacts or violates the individually identifiable health information of any person provided care by the BCoFD.

  • Investigatory Confidentiality:

    • Content regarding past or ongoing internal investigations and criminal investigations is prohibited from being posted.

Restricted Content and Prohibited Conduct on Personal Accounts

  • Disruption of the Work Environment: Members may not post material that impairs workplace discipline, erodes working relationships, creates dissension among co-workers, interferes with job performance, or obstructs operations.

  • Prohibited Communication Types:

    • Harassment or threats.

    • Advocacy of violence.

    • Hate speech or libel.

    • Violations of the privacy rights of fellow employees.

  • Obscene and Biased Speech:

    • Prohibitions apply to obscene or sexually explicit language, images, acts, and statements.

    • Speech that ridicules, maligns, disparages, or expresses bias against any person or group (including but not limited to race, religion, or gender) is strictly prohibited.

    • Reason for Prohibition: Such speech impacts, or may be perceived to impact, the Fire Department’s ability to serve its customers.

  • Third-Party Content Responsibilities:

    • If content is posted by someone other than the member on the member's profile/page that would violate Section 33 of this SOP, the member is strongly encouraged to delete that content.

Administrative Details and Resource Documentation

  • Associated County Policies: Personnel are directed to refer to the following online resources for further context:

    • Baltimore County Social Media Policy (User Terms): https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/user-terms/social-media-policy

    • Baltimore County OIT Social Media Use Policy: https://baltcomd.sharepoint.com/sites/BCPoint/oit/SitePages/Policies.aspx#social-media-use-policy