Social Media Policy

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) utilizes social media thoughtfully and strategically to enhance community outreach, foster transparency, and support crime prevention initiatives. The CCSO values open communication with the public and strives to maintain responsible, effective, and ethical use of its social media platforms.

This policy establishes the terms of use for CCSO-managed social media accounts and guides public interaction, ensuring the integrity and security of the agency’s operations are upheld.

The purpose of this policy is to establish the terms of use for CCSO social media sites and to guide the public regarding the procedures governing public comment on these platforms. The CCSO recognizes the importance of maintaining a transparent, open line of communication with the public through social media channels. This policy aims to ensure that social media platforms are used responsibly, effectively, and ethically, while protecting the integrity and security of the Sheriff's Office and its operations.

• 2.1 Social Media: Social media refers to any internet-based software or service that allows users to interact with others via the posting of messages, files, or other content. The CCSO maintains official social media accounts on platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. The absence of explicit reference to any social media site does not limit the extent or application of this policy.
• 2.2 Social Media Account: A personalized presence within a social networking channel, initiated by an individual. The CCSO’s presence on these platforms is designed to enhance community engagement, foster communication, and increase transparency. When individuals interact through these platforms, their disclosures are attributed to their user profile.

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office supports the use of social media to communicate directly with the public, stakeholders, partners, and the media about matters of public interest.\

3.1 Official Use of Social Media

• 3.1.1 The CCSO’s social media accounts will be used to:
  • 3.1.1.1 Enhance and encourage external communications.
  • 3.1.1.2 Educate the public on CCSO services, programs, and events.
  • 3.1.1.3 Respond to inquiries regarding CCSO operations in a timely manner.
  • 3.1.1.4 Communicate during emergencies, including public safety updates and alerts.
  • 3.1.1.5 Increase transparency and engagement with the public on issues of public concern.

3.2 Public Participation

• 3.2.1 Public Comments: The CCSO encourages members of the public to submit questions, comments, and concerns on CCSO social media sites. These platforms are monitored discussion sites but are not public forums. All comments are moderated and may not be reviewed after business hours (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday).
• 3.2.2 Comment Responsibility: Individuals who post comments on any CCSO social media site do so by personal choice and accept full responsibility for their content. All comments posted are subject to public disclosure as required by law, including the Georgia Open Records Act.

3.3 Community Engagement

The CCSO will utilize social media to foster an environment of active participation and community dialogue, which includes, but is not limited to:

• 3.3.1 Engaging the public during high-profile law enforcement operations.
• 3.3.2 Responding to inquiries from citizens, journalists, and public figures.
• 3.3.3 Promoting events such as community briefings, educational outreach, and public safety initiatives.

3.4 Prohibited Content

The CCSO Reserves the right to remove content that does not adhere to the following guidelines:

• 3.4.1 Personal Attacks: Any form of verbal assault directed toward others.
• 3.4.2 Obscene or Illegal Materials: Any content that is unlawful, offensive, or inappropriate.
• 3.4.3 Discriminatory Content: Any post that promotes or perpetuates discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected statuses.
• 3.4.4 Spam or Irrelevant Content: Posts or comments that are unrelated to the CCSO’s mission or objectives.
• 3.4.5 Political Campaigns and Promotion: Content that promotes political campaigns or organizations will be removed.
• 3.4.6 Hate Speech and Violence: Content that promotes hate speech, violence, or illegal activity will be prohibited.
• 3.4.7 Sensitive Information: Any post that discloses personal or confidential information that could compromise an individual’s safety or security.

3.5 Monitoring and Removal of Comments

The CCSO Social Media Administrators will monitor comments on CCSO social media platforms. Comments will be reviewed and may be deleted or hidden in the following circumstances:

• 3.5.1 Vulgar Language: Comments containing profanity or offensive language.
• 3.5.2 Personal Attacks: Comments targeting individuals in a hostile or inappropriate manner.
• 3.5.3 Obscene or Illegal Materials: Posts containing obscene, pornographic, or otherwise unlawful content.
• 3.5.4 Sexual Comments: Comments of a sexual nature about or directed at anyone.
• 3.5.5 Discriminatory Content: Posts that promote, foster, or perpetuate discrimination based on race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, genetics, public assistance status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
• 3.5.6 Spam or Unrelated Links: Comments containing spam or unrelated content, including links to external sites not relevant to the CCSO’s mission.
• 3.5.7 Irrelevant Comments: Posts unrelated to the CCSO’s topic that is the subject of the post.
• 3.5.8 Illegal Advocacy: Comments advocating illegal activity.
• 3.5.9 Promotion of Non-County Services or Products: Posts promoting third-party businesses or services.
• 3.5.10 Political Promotion: Content supporting political campaigns or organizations.
• 3.5.11 Copyright Infringement: Posts infringing on copyrights or trademarks.
• 3.5.12 Disclosure of Personal Information: Comments that reveal personally identifiable information, such as Social Security numbers, passwords, or financial information.
• 3.5.13 Safety or Security Risks: Content that could compromise public safety, security, or ongoing criminal or civil investigations.

3.6 Blocking Users

The CCSO reserves the right to block users for the following reasons:

• 3.6.1 Profanity and Personal Threats: Users who post profane language or threats of violence or harm may be blocked.
• 3.6.2 Repeated Violation of Terms: Repeated violations of the terms of use or the posting of irrelevant or offensive content may result in a block from the page.
• 3.6.3 Inappropriate Content: If a user repeatedly posts content that does not adhere to the guidelines outlined above, they may be permanently banned.

• 4.1 Comment Removal: CCSO Social Media Administrators are authorized to remove any comment that violates the criteria outlined above. A record of the removed comment, along with the reason for its removal, will be retained in CCSO files.
  • 4.1.1 Block Comments That Are Not Protected by the First Amendment: The CCSO may censor comments that are threats of violence, incite unlawful activity, or contain obscene language. While users can express opinions freely, those that violate public safety or the law will not be tolerated.
• 4.2 Repeated Violations: Individuals repeatedly violating the criteria for removal may be banned from CCSO social media platforms if the platform allows for banning users.
• 4.3 Platform Limitations: Some social media platforms may not permit the removal of certain posts. In such cases, the CCSO will report the violation to the platform for appropriate action.
• 4.4 Dispute Resolution: Commenters who believe their comment was improperly removed may email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request additional information or voice their concerns.
• 4.5 Turning Off Comments: The CCSO may turn off comments on posts, but if comments are disabled, they must remain off for all users. Selectively allowing or disallowing comments is not permissible.

All social media interactions and content posted on CCSO social media sites will comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, as well as relevant county ordinances and policies. These include:

• 5.1 Georgia Open Records Act: As defined in O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70, et seq., all social media content may be subject to public disclosure.
• 5.2 Public Safety and Security Regulations: Content that compromises the safety, security, or proceedings of any law enforcement investigation will be removed immediately.

• 6.1 Professional Use: CCSO employees must adhere to professional standards when engaging on social media platforms. This includes maintaining respect, confidentiality, and propriety in any form of communication.
• 6.2 County HR and IT Policies: All posts must adhere to Cobb County’s Human Resources and Information Services policies related to employee conduct and data protection. 
• 6.3 Personal Accounts: Employees are prohibited from posting on personal social media accounts as a spokesperson or representative of the CCSO unless expressly authorized. Personal accounts must not create the impression that the employee is speaking on behalf of the Sheriff's Office.
• 6.4 Disclaimer for Personal Opinions: When CCSO employees make social media posts or comments that relate to or reference the Cobb County Sheriff's Office, they must clearly state that their views are their own and do not reflect the official stance of the CCSO. Examples include using disclaimers such as, "The views expressed are my own and do not represent those of my employer.
• 6.5 Authorized Users for Official CCSO Social Media: Only individuals designated by Sheriff Owens, Chief of Staff Jones, or the Communications Unit are authorized to post on behalf of the Cobb County Sheriff's Office on official CCSO social media accounts. Unauthorized employees are prohibited from creating, managing, or representing the CCSO through any social media platform. All official content must align with the agency's communication strategy and policies.

Social media posts should never be deleted unless absolutely necessary, such as when content violates privacy or safety laws, or in the event of a legal matter.

Note: Employees are encouraged to consult with legal advisors before deleting any posts to understand the potential legal implications and restrictions regarding the removal of posts.

8.1 Why does the CCSO moderate readers' comments?

Our goal is to ensure that all comments enhance the quality of discourse. We aim to create a space for respectful, informed discussions while preventing the spread of harmful or inappropriate content.

8.2 What kind of comments are ideal?

We value constructive, relevant, and respectful comments that encourage dialogue and engagement on topics related to the CCSO and public safety.

8.3 Does the CCSO edit or remove comments?

We do not edit comments but will remove those that violate the terms outlined in Section 3.4.

8.4 Can I remain anonymous when commenting?

While anonymity is not prohibited, we encourage individuals to use their real names for transparency and to promote respectful and constructive conversations.

8.5 Can I criticize the CCSO?

Yes. Criticism is welcome as long as it adheres to the guidelines set forth in this policy. We value feedback that helps us improve.

8.6 Why was I blocked or my comment removed?

If a comment violates the guidelines or if repeated violations occur, a user may be blocked or banned. The CCSO will review these actions in accordance with our policies and provide users an opportunity to address their concerns.