2025.12.15 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

1 APPENDEX K HUGO FIRE DEPARTMENT POLICY REGARDING DATA AND SOCIAL MEDIA SUBJECT: The collection, taking, production, use, distribution, and release of pictures, recordings, social, digital or other media by members of the Hugo Fire Department while they are on duty or while off-duty and their position allows special access not otherwise available to members of the public. This includes off-duty access to Fire department facilities, apparatus and equipment. PURPOSE: This policy is intended to protect the department, the reputation of the department, the confidentiality of its members, the patients and members of the public with whom we interact. Nothing in this policy is intended to unlawfully restrict a members' First Amendment right to free speech or restrict discussions as a private citizen over matters of public concern. POLICY: • Any photographs, recordings, digital or other media collected, taken, secured, generated or produced while a member is on duty shall be the property of the fire department . • Any photographs, recordings, digital or other media produced while a member is on-duty for purposes of investigation, training, documentation, or public awareness may be used only with the advance written approval of the Fire Chief. • Any photographs, recordings, digital or other media produced for purely personal purposes while a member is off-duty but through special access shall be generally acceptable and appropriate so as not to impugn the character of the department. Such purely personal media produced should in no way be construed or characterized to be endorsed by the department. Any such media deemed by the Fire Chief to be inappropriate or that is in conflict with the character of the department shall be immediately removed from social media or other public postings. • Any person's social media postings, shall not be construed or characterized as an official release of information by the Hugo Fire Department. If necessary, the member shall provide a disclaimer stating that the posting is their own opinion and does not represent that of the department . • Unless otherwise restricted by the MN Data Practices Act or other applicable law, Minnesota Statutes §§13 et seq.and specifically §13 .82, all photographs, digital recordings or other media that are the property of the fire department may be subject to public disclosure if directed by the Fire Chief.