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A
group of female NYPD officers are facing disciplinary action after
photos of them in uniform were posted on sexy Instagram account.
The
policewomen posted photos of themselves posing away from work alongside
images of them wearing their badges – allegedly violating the
department’s social media policy.
The
collection of shots, which have appeared alongside other officers from
around the country, are then turning up on sites such as Blueline
Beauties which describes itself as being: ‘Dedicated to Law Enforcement
Women’.
Those who want to be featured on the profile have to send in their pictures.
One
of officers had a Santa badge pinned above her suit with an
accompanying snap of her wearing a tiny black dress, showing off a
tattoo on her thigh.
Another
took a selfie while wearing uniform and sent it in along with a shot
flaunting her cleavage and another pursing her lips while preparing for a
night out.
The New
York Daily News reported that cops are not allowed to take photos of
themselves in uniform and post them online unless they are at official
ceremonies.
The
force began issuing guidelines for how officers should use Twitter,
Facebook, Instagram and other social media sites in 2013.
An internal order revealed members of the nation’s largest police department to be careful with what they reveal online.
It includes being vigilant when identifying themselves with the force.
The
document stated that officers ‘are to exercise good judgment and
demonstrate professionalism expected of them while performing their
official duties.’
It
also warns that ‘personal social media sites may be used against them to
undermine the credibility of the department, interfere with official
police business, compromise ongoing investigations and affect their
employment status.’
The
same year, Mail Online revealed that an investigation had begun into
NYPD officers posing alongside force patrol cars and motorcycles on
their dating profiles.
In
a statement in response to the probe, John J. McCarthy, NYPD Deputy
Commissioner, said: ‘Members of the Police Department are prohibited
from posting photographs of themselves in uniform without the prior
authorization.
‘This
does not include photographs taken during official department
ceremonies. This directive is in compliance with the New York City
Social Media Policy and is in part intended to protect officers from
divulging identifying information on social media sites that may
endanger officer safety.
Breach
of these guidelines can result in harsh disciplinary action including
termination. However sources told the Daily News that the female
officers involved could lose 10 days vacation.
It is unknown whether officers from other departments around the country could be punished as the policies vary between forces.
According to the Baltimore Sun the city’s police department do not regulate their use of social media.
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