Technology and its use in the workplace is a topic that is (and should be) often discussed and considered by professionals in all fields, including law enforcement. The recent news coverage regarding former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s use of private email accounts for official government business highlights several issues and serves as a reminder that the use of personal communication devices (PCDs) in the workplace requires particular attention.¹

There are a variety of ways agencies currently handle PCDs in the workplace. Some agencies provide these devices to their employees, while others expect officers to use their own devices and may provide a stipend or reimburse employees for work-related use. Some agencies may prohibit officers from using their own PCDs for public business. Still others do not clearly define their expectations, which is a recipe for disaster. The use of PCDs such as smartphones and tablets for law enforcement business raises legal, safety, liability, and public perception issues. Agencies need to carefully consider each of these issues and clearly define their expectations to their members and to the public.