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OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 1009
AN ACT REQUIRING SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES FOR POLICE
DEPARTMENTS.
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Police Officer Standards and Training Council
to develop, by January 1, 2022, a model policy on the use of social
media by law enforcement units and police officers while they are on
duty. The policy must include:
1. guidelines on using a unit’s social media account,
2. the responsibilities of any unit employee who manages and
approves content to post on a unit’s account,
3. procedures when the unauthorized use of a unit’s account is
detected,
4. guidelines to ensure compliance with applicable state or federal
law,
5. guidelines on what is and is not suitable for posting on a unit’s
account, and
6. methods to limit indecent or obscene content on a unit’s
account.
By July 1, 2022, the bill requires each law enforcement unit to adopt
and maintain a written policy that meets or exceeds the model policy’s
standards.
By law and under the bill, “social media” is an electronic medium
where users may create and view user-generated content, such as
uploaded or downloaded videos or photographs, blogs, video blogs,
podcasts, or instant messages (CGS § 9-601). Additionally, “law 2021SB-01009-R000294-BA.DOCX
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enforcement unit” is any state or municipal agency or department (or
tribal agency or department created and governed under a
memorandum of agreement) whose primary functions include
enforcing criminal or traffic laws; preserving public order; protecting
life and property; or preventing, detecting, or investigating crime.
Lastly, “police officers” are sworn members of an organized local
police department or the State Police; appointed constables who
perform criminal law enforcement duties; special police officers
appointed under law (e.g., those appointed to investigate public
assistance fraud); or any members of a law enforcement unit who
perform police duties (CGS § 7-294a).
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
COMMITTEE ACTION
Public Safety and Security Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 14 Nay 11 (03/18/2021)