Court Officer Academy Student Court Officer Manual: Responsibilities of Student Court Officers

Learn more about Student Court Officers' responsibilities at the Massachusetts Trial Court Officer Academy.

Student Court Officers using social media/networking applications shall:

• Use appropriate discretion in their reference to the Mass Trial Court Security Department (MTCSD) and not discredit themselves or the MTCSD.
• Be aware that speech and/or related activities on social media/networking sites may reflect upon them in their official capacities and/or upon the MTCSD, and act accordingly.
• Be cautioned that speech, on or off-duty, may form the basis for disciplinary action.
• Be aware that privacy settings and social media/networking sites are constantly in flux, and they should never assume that personal information posted on such sites is protected.
• Expect that any information created, transmitted, downloaded, exchanged, or discussed in a public online forum may be accessed by the MTCSD at any time without prior notice.
• Not divulge information gained due to their authority.
• Not make any statements, speeches, appearance, and endorsements or publish materials that could reasonably be considered to represent the views or positions of the MTCSD without express authorization.

Student Court Officers should use common sense in all communications, particularly on any social media/networking site. An examination of the facts could potentially result in an internal personnel investigation. Employees are responsible for anything you write or present online. Some examples of prohibited action may include, but not be limited to:

• Speech containing obscene or sexually explicit language, images, or acts and statements or other forms of speech that ridicule regardless of the intent to malign, disparage, threaten harm or otherwise express bias against any race, any religion, or any protected class of individuals.
• Speech involving themselves or other MTC personnel reflecting behavior that would reasonably be considered reckless, irresponsible or unprofessional.

Student Court Officers should exercise care if they choose to post personal information on the internet. Some activities in an employees’ personal life may impact job performance, the performance of other employees, and/or interests of the MTCSD. Once information is posted, it is accessible by anyone, indefinitely, and such information may result in unintended consequences, such as:

• Limiting future career opportunities.
• Being viewed, altered, printed and redistributed by other internet users including criminal organizations.
• Manipulation by persons intent on undermining or impeaching an employee’s credibility or integrity.

Student Court Officers, who choose to identify themselves as an employee of the Massachusetts Trial Court whether explicitly, implicitly, or visually, shall:

• Be considered to be publicly representing the agency in a professional manner from that period forward while still employed by the agency.
• Be responsible for all content published on their individual social media site(s).

Date published:	January 2, 2023