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Detroit Police Crack Down on Officers' Social Media Use

In a new directive approved by the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, officers can be punished for releasing information considered privileged that relates to crimes, accidents, or violations. The directive says employees have to use discretion to avoid discrediting or disrespecting the department.

The Detroit Police Department is limiting how its officers use social networking sites such as Facebook with a new more restrictive policy.

In a new directive approved by the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, officers can be punished for releasing information considered privileged that relates to crimes, accidents, or violations. The directive says employees have to use discretion to avoid discrediting or disrespecting the department.

The new policy came in response to a Detroit officer who posted pictures on Facebook of a man wielding a machete. The man was shot by an officer and suffered a non-life-threatening injury. The officer who posted the pictures wasn't suspended.

Source: Detroit Free Press

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