THE Department of Public Safety has issued a social media directive to all its personnel pursuant to the Northern Mariana Islands Administrative Code § 10-20.2-440 (Subordination to Authority).
The memorandum was posted on Democratic Rep. Edwin Propst’s social Facebook page on Tuesday and was signed by Police Director Aniceto Ogumuro.
“The purpose of the directive on social media is to ensure that all DPS personnel adhere and understand their rights as private citizens, and how certain activities on social media can affect them as DPS employees,” Ogumoro stated in the memo.
“Because of recent posts on social media regarding matters of the department, I urge all commanders to hold a meeting with each employee to go over our social media directive and department rules and regulations to ensure that each employee understands,” he added.
The memo instructs all DPS personnel to refrain from social media activities.
“The department understands that each employee is free to express themselves as private citizens, but regarding department matters, there are steps that employees can take to express their concerns,” Ogumuro added.
He also instructed DPS commanders to inform personnel about the grievance process.
If an employee is found to be in violation of the directive on social media or any department rules and regulations, “disciplinary/adverse action steps will be taken to address the matter,” he added.
Ogumuro declined to elaborate when asked about the memorandum, but he confirmed that it came from him.
According to NMIAC § 10-20.2-440 (Subordination to Authority), “An employee is required to carry out the announced policies and programs of the Commonwealth government. While policies related to work are under consideration, the employee may, and is expected to, express opinions and points of view; but once a decision has been rendered by those in authority, the employee will be expected unreservedly to assure the success of programs which it is the employee’s responsibility to effectuate. If the employee fails to carry out any lawful regulation, order, or policy, or deliberately refuses to obey the proper requests of superiors having responsibility for the employee’s performance, the employee is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.”
