Public Safety and Security Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1009
AN ACT REQUIRING SOCIAL MEDIA POLICIES FOR POLICE
Title: DEPARTMENTS.
Vote Date: 3/18/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/9/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Public Safety and Security Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill will require Police Officer Standards and Training Council develop a social media
model or one that has higher standards Given the position of the police in our society, it is
important that their social media presence be absent of racist or any derogatory comments.
It also will ensure that officers are not posting on social media during work hours.
Substitute Language
DELETION of Section 1 (a) 7. A prohibition on the personal use of social media by a police
officer while on duty.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Senator Bob Duff, State of Connecticut
Senator Duff supports this bill. Teachers and school staff in Norwalk and many other
communities have social media policies, as do some police departments. Police officers are
in a position of power and they represent the towns and cities they serve on and off duty.
When a person carries a badge and carries a gun, they cannot be entrusted to fairly enforce
the law if they are posting racist or prejudiced thoughts online. When you are a police officer
you cannot promote speech that makes residents question your objectivity and fairness.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed
Reported by: Bonnie Gray, Asst. Clerk Date: 3/29/2021
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