Social Media Dos and Don'ts

In light of recent dismissals of municipal and county employees for inappropriate posts on their personal social media accounts, it's a good time to remind you that the Town of Chapin has a social media policy for all employees, town council members, appointed commission members, contract employees and others who may be representing the Town. Please be aware that irresponsible use of social media and failure to comply with the Town's policy may subject you to a suspension or possible termination.

You are encouraged to use the following best practices when employing social media, either on behalf of the Town or in your personal posts. Prohibited statements and materials include but are not limited to:

• Defamatory content
• Racially offensive
• Discriminatory
• Pornography
• Personal attacks
• Illegal activity
• Promotion of private ventures (services, campaigns, political organization)
• Material that contains vulgar, obscene or indecent language or images
• Proprietary and confidential information
• Material that infringes the copyright of another person

Of special concern are comments that insult or disparage the Town, its products and services, or any public employees, public officials, public members, commission and/or committee members, even if specific names are not mentioned.

As town employees, we must be aware and sensitive to the fact that oral comments, social media networks and other online forums blur the distinction between an individual’s official and personal identities. As such, if you publish content to an outside website or media channel outside of the Town’s official online presence and it has something to do with subjects associated with the Town, you must use a disclaimer stating that it is indeed your personal opinion and not representing the opinion of the Town of Chapin. Do not reference or use your formal position with the Town when writing in a non-official capacity. 

This policy is not an attempt to infringe on anyone's First Amendment right to free speech. Rather it is an awareness that the citizens have a right to expect town employees and public officials to provide impartial and professional service to all, regardless of their race, age, gender, creed or national origin.

Click here to view the Town's Social Media Policy.