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Newport News Police Department
NOTE: The amount of online storage shall be increased, as necessary, to ensure that all active user
files remain available and accessible on the agency’s network, regardless of the agency’s
backup capability.
VI. IMPORTING/DOWNLOADING INFORMATION AND SOFTWARE [11.4.4; 41.3.7(A,B)]
A. The IT Unit will approve all software loaded onto department computers or provided through cloud
access.
NOTE: Software includes any that enables the user to perform tasks using computer resources (i.e.,
programs, routines, scripts, applications, firmware, grayware, freeware, open-source, sound and
video files, attachments to emails, Internet files, or other external sources), whether cloud-based or
requiring a hard installation.
B. Employees who request to purchase and load software onto department computers will consult with their
supervisors first, then the IT Unit, to ensure that the software does not interfere with other programs and
systems.
C. The IT Unit will inventory all software loaded into a system to maintain the license record. Depending on the
individual company's licensing requirements, the software will be licensed to the Newport News Police
Department or the specific user.
VII. MOBILE DATA COMPUTERS (MDCS) AND SIMILAR MOBILE TECHNOLOGY
A. The IT Unit may install additional security measures on MDCs and laptops to prevent unauthorized
access. Employees are prohibited from disabling or bypassing access security measures on their issued
devices. [41.3.7(d)]
B. MDCs (and similar mobile technology) allow communications personnel to communicate and retrieve
routing information. Officers shall use this technology for non-emergent communications. Supervisors
are expected to monitor these communications during their shifts and immediately address policy
violations. [41.3.7 (e)]
NOTE: As used, the term “MDC” also refers to tablets or similar mobile devices.
C. All personnel operating a vehicle equipped with an MDC shall comply with the general computer rules
and regulations and specific procedures regarding the use and care of the MDCs, as provided to them.
Non-compliance will be brought to the attention of the officer’s supervisor for corrective action.
D. Dispatcher instructions via radio or phone take precedence over information forwarded and displayed
on the MDC.
E. All MDC entries, including emails, talk messages, and conference messages, are recorded and
electronically saved, falling under the Commonwealth of Virginia's Freedom of Information Statutes, for
review by the department, the public, and the media.
F. Officers will observe proper MDC safety use protocol and will not compromise their safety or the safety
of others (e.g., do not type while driving, perform an NCIC/VCIN check while trying to initiate a traffic
stop, et cetera).
VIII. SOCIAL MEDIA AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES (PAM-1410 - SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY)
A. Development of Personal Webpages, Social Media Sites, And Social Networking Sites
1. Personnel will not portray themselves as representatives of the department, the city, or its affiliated
programs on their personal web pages, Facebook accounts, Twitter messages, or any other social
media or networking sites without the express written permission of the Chief of Police or designee.
2. For safety reasons, employees are cautioned not to disclose their employment with the department
or post any information about any other agency member without that individual’s permission.
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