Internet Access Memo

MULTNOMAH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 501 SE HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 350 • PORTLAND, OR 97214

Exemplary service for a safe, livable community

BOB SKIPPER SHERIFF

SHERIFF’S ADVISORY MEMORANDUM #08-11

TO:

All MCSO Managers and Employees

FROM:

Sheriff Bob Skipper

DATE:

November 18, 2008

SUBJECT:

Internet Access for MCSO Employees

After long consideration of the issue of internet access, I have decided to eliminate internet service in MCSO work sites for most people and purposes. The essential reason I have made this decision is that I no longer believe that access and use of the internet is a wise use of public money or that it is in the publics’ interest. In particular, the time spent on the internet for non-work related purposes and the cost of monitoring and investigating internet related issues are an unnecessary use of scarce Agency resources and money. I have also seen good employees with good work records exercise very poor judgment in using the internet. The result has been an embarrassment to them, their reputations and to the Agency as a whole. As an ethical matter, I cannot allow these situations to exist and then authorize the use of public money to investigate and fix them. The internet is integral to the performance of some jobs within the Agency. Recognizing that, managers will be able to authorize internet access for members of their units that have a specific and directly work related purpose for the access. Any MCSO member authorized for internet access will be required to sign an authorization form that details the responsibilities of internet access and, among other conditions that Chapter 18 of the Agency Manual is in full effect for those who are granted access. Managers are expected to evaluate the need for internet access for their areas of responsibility. Managers are also responsible to explain the conditions associated with internet access privileges and to add and remove authorization for access when members move in and out of their units. Managers will maintain their own records of authorizations and provide copies of the form to Information Technology and Professional Standards. I am sending this memorandum to advise you of the change in Agency internet access in advance of its occurrence. The change is effective on December 1, 2008. Though there will be changes to internet access, all employees shall retain access to the Intranet.

Attachment: Internet Authorization Form

MULTNOMAH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 501 SE HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 350 • PORTLAND, OR 97214

BOB SKIPPER SHERIFF

Exemplary service for a safe, livable community

REQUEST FOR AUTHORIZATION FOR INTERNET ACCESS PRIVILEGES Member’s Name:

DPSST #:

Unit/Assignment:

Shift/Days Off:

Describe in detail your current duties and the reason(s) why the level of internet access is essential:

Initial where indicated: I have reviewed and understand Chapter 18 Computers and Telecommunications, of the Agency Manual; in particular Sections 18.02 Authorized use of MCSO Computers, 18.05 Computer Access and Passwords, 18.06 Prohibited Use of MCSO Computers, and 18.07 Use of MCSO Computers. I understand that I am responsible for and will be held accountable for any and all internet usage under my unique internet access identifier including but not limited to total online time, websites accessed, and/or any still or moving images, documents, or other files accessed, viewed, downloaded, or transferred to other media or mobile information storage device. I understand that there is no expectation of privacy towards my internet usage, and such usage will be audited and/or monitored at any time. I understand that any violation of agency policies regarding internet and computer usage may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. ______

I understand that if I lose my internet access as a result of disciplinary action I may also lose my current assignment if internet access is an essential function of my assignment.

______

I understand that my internet privileges end when my current assignment ends.

MANAGER REVIEW REVIEWING MANAGER: CHIEF DEPUTY APPROVAL: APPROVED ?

DPSST #: _________________________________________________

?DENIED ?

It is the Unit or Program manager’s responsibility to notify the Information Technology Manager when members have rotated out of a Unit and their Internet Access is removed.

C:

Information Technology Unit Professional Standards Unit UnderSheriff

To ensure that authorized internet service to your unit or employee is not interrupted, please return authorization forms to the Chief Deputy or Business Service Director no later than Tuesday, November 25, 2008