[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Council of the Township of Washington 12-10-2003
by Ord. No. 14-2003. Amendments noted where applicable.]
The purpose of this chapter is to establish policy and procedures regarding
computer, fax, copier, e-mail and Internet use in the Township of Washington.
This policy applies to all personnel of Washington Township, Gloucester
County, New Jersey.
A.
It is the policy of Washington Township to recognize
that Township functions can be achieved more effectively and efficiently through
the use of computers, fax machines, copiers, e-mail and the Internet. Rapid
access to information and communication is mandatory in contemporary Township
work. To this end, modern computer workstations, fax machines, copiers and
other electronic devices have been provided throughout the Township buildings.
B.
Like any tool, computers and other electronic devices
and the related technologies are subject to misuse and abuse. Therefore, it
is the policy of the Township that the use of Township computers, fax machines,
copiers and any other electronic devices will be restricted to lawful business-related
purposes only.
C.
It is the policy of the Township that all computers,
fax machines, copiers and all included programming, hardware and software
are the exclusive property of the Washington Township. There shall be no expectation
of privacy concerning the use of Township computers, other electronic devices
or any files, correspondence, e-mail or any other thing contained therein.
The Township reserves the right to monitor and track the use of any Township
computer, fax machine or copiers and to monitor, inspect, open, copy or delete
any file, e-mail, correspondence or downloaded document or graphic contained
in any Township property without notice.
D.
It is the policy of this Township that procedures and
regulations are established governing the proper and lawful use of Township
computers, fax machines, copiers, e-mail and the Internet and that violators
will face disciplinary action, including dismissal.
A.
Electronic hardware (computers, fax machines, copiers,
etc.).
(1)
All Township computers, fax machines, copiers any other
electronic devices and all programs, files, e-mails and any other thing contained
therein are the exclusive property of the Washington Township and shall be
used solely for Township business purposes. Employees shall not utilize Township
computers, fax machines, copiers or any other electronic device for personal
use or for profit.
(2)
Any use of Township computers, fax machines, copiers,
any other electronic devices, e-mail or the Internet which violates any law,
court order, ordinance or Township rule, regulation or policy is prohibited.
(3)
There is no expectation of privacy in any Township computer,
fax machine, copier or any other property or in any electronic file, e-mail
or any thing contained therein. The Township reserves the right to monitor,
open, inspect, copy or delete any file, email or any other thing contained
in any Township computer, fax machine, copier or other device without notice.
(4)
Employees are prohibited from modifying, altering, adding
to, downloading or deleting programs, software or hardware installed on any
Township computer or other property. No personal software or hardware of any
type may be added to Township computers or other electronic devices without
the express permission of the director of the department.
(5)
Electronic files and records shall be treated with the
same security and confidentiality as any other Township document. Employees
are prohibited from accessing any Township computer, file or other record
when they know or should know they are not authorized to do so.
B.
E-mail.
(1)
Employees shall utilize, treat and store e-mail as any
other Township information or document.
(2)
Nothing should be transmitted by e-mail or other electronic
communication that would not be transmitted by written letter or memo.
(3)
The Township may, without notice, monitor, access, review,
copy or delete any e-mail sent, received or stored on any Township computer.
(4)
The use of e-mail or any electronic communication, including
print, graphics or sounds, that violates any law, Township policy, rule or
regulation or which is otherwise obscene, defamatory, discriminatory or harassing
is prohibited. Employees who receive any electronic communication which is
a violation of this section, shall notify their supervisor immediately.
C.
Internet.
(1)
The Internet shall be used for Township work-related
purposes only; the Internet shall not be used for personal use, gain or profit.
(2)
Employees are prohibited from visiting web sites that
promote or deal with pornography, racism, discrimination and/or illegal acts.
An exception shall be made when such access is necessary for an official investigation
and when given prior approval by the director of the department.
(3)
All Internet user activity and interactions generated
on Township computers are subject to monitoring, recording and review by web
surveillance software. Employees have no right to privacy regarding access
to or use of the Internet on Township computers.
D.
Passwords.
(1)
Employees shall not use the password, logon or user ID
of another for purpose of concealing their identity, access to or use of Township
computers, any electronic device, e-mail, Internet use or any other electronic
transactions.
(2)
Employees shall not use the password, logon or user ID
of another for purpose of creating a false belief, impression or record that
access to a Township computer, electronic device, e-mail, Internet use or
any other electronic transaction was the act of another.
E.
Penalties.
(1)
All Washington Township policies, rules and regulations
apply with equal force regarding the use of Township computers, fax machines,
copiers, other electronic devices, e-mail and the Internet. Employees violating
these procedures are subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal.
(2)
In addition to disciplinary action, employees violating
these procedures are subject to any applicable civil and criminal penalties.
