(A) Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to establish requirements for the access and use of computer resources by all persons using or accessing computer systems at Dearborn County. Dearborn County provides access to computer communication and information resources as tools to help employees and other authorized users to perform jobs faster, smarter, and, in a more efficient manner. The facilities and infrastructure to provide computer resources represent a considerable commitment of county resources. This policy states Dearborn County's requirements for the appropriate and responsible use of those resources.
(B) Scope.
(1) This policy applies to all persons using computer resources via the computer systems at Dearborn County.
(2) This policy applies to all computer resources used at Dearborn County, regardless of ownership that are operated by Dearborn County, or have access or interface with, or otherwise affect, computer resources operated by Dearborn County. They include, but are not limited to, mainframe computers, personal computers, and computers that access public and private networks including the Internet, Extranet, and Intranet.
(C) Policy.
(1) Computer resources users shall conduct themselves honestly and appropriately while using computer resources, and respect the copyrights, software licensing rules, property rights, and privacy of others.
(2) The display of any kind of sexually explicit, threatening, demeaning, harassing, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate image or document on any Dearborn County computer system or electronic communication system is inappropriate, unacceptable, and may be grounds for disciplinary action. In addition, sexually explicit material may not be accessed, archived, stored, distributed, edited, printed, or recorded using Dearborn County computing resources. This provision does not apply to duly authorized authority acting within their official capacity while conducting investigations and/or resolving potential violations of this procedure.
(3) Anyone receiving any kind of sexually explicit, threatening, demeaning, harassing, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate image or document on any Dearborn County computer system or electronic communication system should retain the document, correspondence, or file, and immediately notify a supervisor/manager.
(4) If the Internet user is connected inadvertently to a site that contains sexually explicit or offensive material, they shall disconnect from that site immediately, regardless of whether that site had been previously deemed acceptable by any screening or rating program.
(5) Dearborn County's computing resources shall not be used knowingly to violate the laws and regulations of the United States or any other nation, or the laws and regulations of any state, city, province, or other local jurisdiction in any material way. Use of any these resources for illegal activity may be grounds for immediate dismissal, and Dearborn County will cooperate with any legitimate law enforcement activity relating to allegations of such misuse of computer resources.
(6) Unauthorized reproduction or use of copyrighted or proprietary software without proper authorization is an infringement, and willful copying is unlawful and may be subject to disciplinary action. It is the computer resources user's responsibility to be familiar with and comply with software license agreements.
(7) Any computer software that is acquired other than through normal procurement channels as defined under I.C. 5 must be registered with the County Administrator's Office. Such software will be scanned for potential viruses and reviewed to assure that Dearborn County is not assuming any liability, financial or legal, before being certified for use. Software or files shall not be downloaded via the computer resources into the county computer network without the prior approval of the County Administrator. Any such files or software may be used only in ways that are consistent with their licenses or copyrights.
(8) The use of Internet chat rooms and similar real time discussion groups, news groups, and message boards are not permissible unless directly related to a job requirement. These activities shall be specifically approved in writing by the computer resources user's manager/supervisor.
(9) Employees with Internet access may not use company Internet facilities to download entertainment software or games, or to play games against opponents over the Internet.
(10) Audio and video streaming downloading technologies (such as listening to music or watching movies through the Internet) and use of news groups with automatic update feature (such as PointCast) are not permissible unless directly related to a job requirement. These Internet uses represent significant data traffic, which can cause local network congestion and reduce available bandwidth. These activities shall be specifically approved in writing by the computer resources user's Manager. Investment activities (such as day trading) are not permitted.
(11) Computers that use their own modems to create independent data connections sidestep Dearborn County's network security mechanisms. An individual computer's private connection to any outside computer can be used by an attacker to compromise any company network to which that computer is attached. The use of any computer for independent dial-up or leased-line connection to any outside computer or network is not permitted unless directly related to a job requirement. Any exceptions shall be specifically approved in writing by the County Administrator.
(12) The user shall not erase, change, rename or make unusable anyone else's computer files, programs, or disks (except for authorized Information Technology members as designated by the Dearborn County Commissioners).
(13) The user shall not let other persons use his or her name, login, password or files for any reason and the user shall not attempt to discover or use another user's password or in any way access another person's email or other files (except for authorized Information Technology members as designated by the Dearborn County Commissioners).
(14) The user shall not intentionally or negligently damage the system, damage information belonging to others, misuse system resources, or allow others to misuse system software.
(15) The user shall not alter hardware setup of or software settings on computers, networks, printers, or other associated equipment disks (except for authorized Information Technology members designated by the Dearborn County Commissioners).
(D) Management responsibilities.
(1) Appointed and Elected Officials shall ensure that 1) all personnel in their department have been provided with a copy of this policy, 2) all personnel have been given time to read the policy, 3) all question have been addressed, and 4) the employees have signed the attached Signature Form.
(2) Appointed and Elected Officials along with the Board of Commissioners shall ensure and review that all personnel in their department adhere to this policy.
(E) Consequences. Failure to follow this policy could result in disciplinary actions as defined in the Dearborn County Handbook and Personnel Manual.
(F) Signature form.
I certify that I have read and understand the Dearborn County Computer Use Policy. Signing this form indicates my agreement to comply with all conditions of this policy. I understand that noncompliance may result in disciplinary action as defined in the Dearborn County Handbook and Personnel Manual.
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Employee Name - Printed
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Employee Signature Date
(BC Res. 1-2004, passed 4-5-04)