HomeMy WebLinkAboutSocial MediaIdaho
Department
of Correction Standard
Operating
Procedure
Title:
Social Media
1 of 3
141.00.01.001
Version:
3.0
Adopted:
10/11/2012
Chad Page, Chief of Institutions and Operations, approved this document on
11/19/2025.
Open to the public: Yes No
SCOPE
This standard operating procedure (SOP) applies to all Idaho Department of
Correction (IDOC) staff who use social media and/or post content.
Version Summary
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Scope ....................................................................................................... 1
Table of Contents ........................................................................................ 1
A. Statutory Authority .............................................................................. 1
B. Board of Correction IDAPA Rule ............................................................. 2
C. Governing Policy ................................................................................. 2
D. Purpose ............................................................................................. 2
E. Responsibility ..................................................................................... 2
F. Definitions.......................................................................................... 2
G. Standard Procedures ............................................................................ 2
1. Introduction .................................................................................... 2
2. Procedures ...................................................................................... 3
3. Prohibited Content ............................................................................ 3
4. IDOC-Sanctioned Use ........................................................................ 3
5. Guidelines for Personal Use ................................................................ 3
H. References ......................................................................................... 3
A. STATUTORY AUTHORITY
1. Idaho Code § 20-217A, Appointment of Director – Salary – Powers and Duties
Document
Number:
141.00.01.001
3.0
Title:
Social Media
Page Number:
2 of 3
Idaho Department of Correction
2. Idaho Code § 20-219, Probation and Parole Supervision and Training – Limited
Supervision - Rulemaking
3. Idaho Code § 20-244, Government and Discipline of the Correctional Facility –
Rules and Regulations
B. BOARD OF CORRECTION IDAPA RULE
None
C. GOVERNING POLICY
Policy 141, Computing Devices, Electronic Mail, and Internet Use
D. PURPOSE
The purpose of this SOP is to establish standardized guidelines for the use of social
media by IDOC staff. It aims to promote secure, productive, and responsible
engagement with social media platforms–both professionally and personally–
recognizing the evolving nature of technology. This SOP supports effective
communication, collaboration, and information sharing while safeguarding the
department’s integrity, security, and reputation.
E. RESPONSIBILITY
1. Director
The director of IDOC is responsible for overseeing the development and
implementation of this SOP.
2. Supervisory and Administrative Staff
All supervisory and administrative staff are tasked with ensuring compliance,
providing guidance, and addressing social media-related issues within their
respective units. Staff must adhere to these guidelines to protect the
department’s reputation, security, and operational integrity.
F. DEFINITIONS
1. Social Media: Internet-based platforms that facilitate user-generated content
and interaction. This includes, but is not limited to, social networks (e.g.,
Facebook, X/Twitter, Threads), microblogging sites, photo/video sharing
platforms (e.g., YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat), wikis, blogs, and news
sites.
2. Staff: Any employee, volunteer, intern, or other authorized person who
provides specific services, as assigned or requested by a superior, to meet
Department tasks.
G. STANDARD PROCEDURES
1. Introduction
Social media offers valuable opportunities for IDOC to enhance community
engagement, support investigative efforts, and promote transparency. This SOP
Document
Number:
141.00.01.001
3.0
Title:
Social Media
Page Number:
3 of 3
Idaho Department of Correction
provides clear guidelines for the appropriate use of social medial by IDOC
employees, contractors, and affiliates both in official capacities and personal
use. Recognizing the rapid evolution of technology, this policy aims to ensure
responsible, secure, and effective communication while protecting the
department’s integrity and security.
2. Procedures
a. All IDOC social media accounts or pages must be approved by the Director
or their designee before creation.
b. Official social media content must adhere to this SOP and be managed by
authorized personnel.
3. Prohibited Content
a. The department’s social media pages are a limited public forum. As such,
IDOC reserves the right to delete unacceptable posts.
b. IDOC does not allow posting of photos or videos other than by the IDOC
Public Information Office. If you have a photo or video you would like to
share, contact the Public Information Office.
4. IDOC-Sanctioned Use
a. Only staff with written approval from the director may represent IDOC on
social media. All content must be professional, respect confidentiality, and
clearly state that views are personal. Sharing inappropriate, confidential, or
illegal content is prohibited. Official pages will be monitored, and the
department reserves the right to remove content or revoke access.
b. Use of department resources for social media requires prior authorization;
personal use during work should not interfere with responsibilities
c. The use of IDOC computers by IDOC staff to access social media is
prohibited without prior authorization from a deputy division chief or
designee.
5. Guidelines for Personal Use
Staff must use social media responsibly. Be respectful, avoid sharing
confidential or inappropriate content, and clearly state that your views are
personal. Do not share internal or sensitive information about IDOC. Personal
social media activity should not interfere with work or violate department
policies. Violations may lead to disciplinary action.
H. REFERENCES
Policy 141, Computing Devices, Electronic Mail, and Internet Use
– End of Document –