GENERAL ORDERS LINCOLN POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECURITY
TITLE: REMOTE ACCESS POLICY
EFFECTIVE DATE: JUNE 1, 2025
REVISION DATE:
ACCREDITATION: ALABAMA ASSOCIATION OF CHIEFS OF POLICE (AACOP)
APPROVAL: CHIEF DARREN E. BRITTON
REMOTE ACCESS POLICY
1107.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purpose of this policy is to define the rules and requirements for connecting to The Lincoln Police Department's network from any host (cell phones, tablets, laptops). These rules and requirements are designed to minimize the potential exposure from damages which may result from unauthorized use of department resources. Damages include the loss of sensitive or organization confidential data, intellectual property, damage to public image, damage to critical internal systems, and fines or other financial liabilities incurred as a result of those losses.
(a) This policy covers:
All computer and communication devices owned or operated by Lincoln Police Department.
Any computer or communication device connected to the Lincoln Police Department network.
Any computer or communication device which has been connected to the Lincoln Police Department network, if it is believed such computer or communication device has been used contrary to any Lincoln Police Department Acceptable Use Policy while so connected.
All computers and communication devices that are attempting in any manner to interact or interface with the Lincoln Police Department network.
1107.2 POLICY
It is the responsibility of The Lincoln Police Department employees, contractors, vendors and agents with remote access privileges to our department network to ensure that their remote access connection is given the same consideration as the user's on-site connection.
General access to the Internet for recreational use through our department network is strictly limited to our employees, contractors, vendors and agents (hereafter referred to as "Authorized Users"). When accessing our network from a personal computer, Authorized Users are responsible for preventing access to any department computer resources or data by non-Authorized Users.
Performance of illegal activities through our department network by any user (Authorized or otherwise) is prohibited. The Authorized User bears responsibility for and consequences of misuse of the Authorized User's access. For further information and definitions, see our Acceptable Use Policy.
Authorized Users will not use our networks to access the Internet for personal interests. For additional information regarding our remote access connection options, including how to obtain a remote access login/VPN, anti-virus software, troubleshooting, etc., contact The Information Technology Unit.
1107.3 CONNECTION PROCEDURES
Secure remote access will be strictly controlled with encryption through our Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)) and strong pass-phrases. For further information see our Password Policy
Authorized Users shall protect their login and password, even from family members.
While using our department owned computer to remotely connect to our department network, Authorized Users shall ensure the remote host is not connected to any other network at the same time, with the exception of personal networks that are under their complete control or under the complete control of an Authorized User or Third Party.
Use of external resources to conduct department business must be approved in advance by The Information Technology Unit.
All hosts that are connected to our department's internal networks via remote access technologies must use the most up-to-date anti-virus software this includes personal computers.
Personal equipment used to connect to our department's networks must meet the requirements of department owned equipment for remote access - and approved by The Information Technology Unit.
1107.4 ENFORCEMENT
Any employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Exceptions to this policy are documented in section 1100.5.2 of the Acceptable Use Policy.
These policies and operating procedures are not designed to cover every possible scenario or situation in society, but rather to define standard operating procedures for members of the Lincoln Police Department. These guidelines are subject to past, present and future judicial review. These guidelines can be amended and or repealed by the Chief of Police as necessary. The policies and procedures herein provided supersede all previous policies and orders.