NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT - New Albany, Ohio

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NEW ALBANY POLICE DEPARTMENT Directive 8.5 – Mobile Data Computers (MDC’s) 8.5.1 Purpose The New Albany Police Department has adopted the use of mobile data computers (MDC’s) to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery through technology. The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for use of the MDC’s. 8.5.2 Training Only officers who have received documented training in the use of the MDC’s shall be permitted to use them. Part of this training shall consist of LEADS certification and a review of the software system(s) used on the computers. Officers who have not received the proper certification and training are not permitted to use the MDC system. LEADS certified officers must follow all LEADS rules and laws (as outlined in Directive 5.4). Officers are reminded that all text messages sent via the MDC system are public records and subject to review by both the public and Departmental supervisors. Officers should also be reminded that information contained in LEADS databases shall be accessed for law enforcement purposes only and is not public record. Any violations of the LEADS policy shall be investigated by a supervisor for possible disciplinary action. (see Directive 5.4.8). 8.5.3 Procedures Officers will utilize a MDC when one is available. Officers are responsible for the proper care and use of the MDC in their possession. Officers shall adhere to the following procedures when utilizing the MDC system: An officer shall log onto the system as soon as practical at the beginning of his/her shift. An officer should also ensure that he/she logs out of the MDC system and shuts down the MDC at the end of his/her shift. Officers will not place food, drinks, or other potentially harmful items directly on the computer or in a location that may cause a spill onto the computer. Officers will not place magnets or items with strong magnetic fields too close to the computer. Officers shall only use the proper screen device (i.e.-plastic pointer tip, finger, etc.) to touch the MDC screen so as not to cause damage or scratches. Officers are not permitted to load software onto Departmental MDC’s without the express consent of the Chief of Police or his/her designee. In such cases, only designated officers are permitted to load approved software onto any Departmental MDC. Officers are not permitted to download any material onto the MDC’s without the express consent of the Chief of Police or his/her designee. Further, officers are not permitted to make modifications to the desktop or settings to the MDC. This includes screen savers, backgrounds, wallpaper, etc. 13

Any malfunctioning MDC shall be brought to a supervisor’s immediate attention. A malfunctioning MDC is not a cause to mark a cruiser out-of-service for a shift. All text messaging between MDC’s shall be limited to duty-related issues. Under no circumstances shall an officer make or send any unprofessional or derogatory remarks regarding race, sex, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or any language that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. MDC users are responsible for updating their passwords every 30 days. If an officer forgets his/her password, he/she needs to advise his/her supervisor as soon as possible. For security purposes, officers must lock their cruisers before leaving them unattended. Officers should also ensure that LEADS information is not displayed on an MDC screen when leaving a cruiser unattended. An officer must remain focused on his/her driving, not the MDC, when the police cruiser is in motion. When possible, officers should obtain information from the MDC when their cruiser is stopped in traffic or traveling at slower/safer speeds. 8.5.4 Supervisory Review and Responsibility Sergeants are responsible for periodically checking on the use of MDC’s by the personnel under their direct supervision. This may include conducting any necessary investigations alleging inappropriate text messaging and/or use of the LEADS system to ensure that proper procedures are being followed and that the MDC’s are being properly utilized. 14

<strong>NEW</strong> <strong>ALBANY</strong> <strong>POLICE</strong> <strong>DEPARTMENT</strong><br />

Directive 8.5 – Mobile Data Computers (MDC’s)<br />

8.5.1 Purpose<br />

The <strong>New</strong> <strong>Albany</strong> Police Department has adopted the use of mobile data computers (MDC’s) to<br />

increase the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery through technology. The purpose of<br />

this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures for use of the MDC’s.<br />

8.5.2 Training<br />

Only officers who have received documented training in the use of the MDC’s shall be permitted to<br />

use them. Part of this training shall consist of LEADS certification and a review of the software<br />

system(s) used on the computers. Officers who have not received the proper certification and<br />

training are not permitted to use the MDC system. LEADS certified officers must follow all LEADS<br />

rules and laws (as outlined in Directive 5.4).<br />

Officers are reminded that all text messages sent via the MDC system are public records and<br />

subject to review by both the public and Departmental supervisors. Officers should also be<br />

reminded that information contained in LEADS databases shall be accessed for law enforcement<br />

purposes only and is not public record. Any violations of the LEADS policy shall be investigated by<br />

a supervisor for possible disciplinary action. (see Directive 5.4.8).<br />

8.5.3 Procedures<br />

Officers will utilize a MDC when one is available. Officers are responsible for the proper care and<br />

use of the MDC in their possession. Officers shall adhere to the following procedures when utilizing<br />

the MDC system:<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

An officer shall log onto the system as soon as practical at the beginning of his/her shift. An<br />

officer should also ensure that he/she logs out of the MDC system and shuts down the<br />

MDC at the end of his/her shift.<br />

Officers will not place food, drinks, or other potentially harmful items directly on the<br />

computer or in a location that may cause a spill onto the computer.<br />

Officers will not place magnets or items with strong magnetic fields too close to the<br />

computer.<br />

Officers shall only use the proper screen device (i.e.-plastic pointer tip, finger, etc.) to touch<br />

the MDC screen so as not to cause damage or scratches.<br />

Officers are not permitted to load software onto Departmental MDC’s without the express<br />

consent of the Chief of Police or his/her designee. In such cases, only designated officers<br />

are permitted to load approved software onto any Departmental MDC.<br />

Officers are not permitted to download any material onto the MDC’s without the express<br />

consent of the Chief of Police or his/her designee. Further, officers are not permitted to<br />

make modifications to the desktop or settings to the MDC. This includes screen savers,<br />

backgrounds, wallpaper, etc.<br />

13

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