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Council signals support to disable comments on Police Department Facebook posts
Summary
Following council discussion about offensive and harmful comments on the Lewiston Police Department Facebook page, the acting city administrator said he will instruct the police chief to disable comments on future posts.
Councilors raised repeated concerns about antagonistic and offensive comments appearing on the Lewiston Police Department’s Facebook page and asked the administration to block public commenting on future posts.
Councilor Chittum said legal counsel had advised the department it could disable comments on the police Facebook page while preserving the account for public notices; the chief and staff had been reluctant to act without council direction. Following discussion about transparency and public input, Acting City Administrator O’Malley said he would instruct the police chief to disable comments on the police department page the next morning. "I'll let the chief know tomorrow and we'll shut off those comments," O’Malley said.
Councilors said disabling comments would preserve the department’s ability to post public notices, crime alerts and requests for tips while reducing visibility of discriminatory, harassing or disruptive comments. Staff also noted alternative reporting channels remain available, including the department's anonymous tip line and direct contact with investigators.
No formal ordinance or vote was required; the council’s sentiment was communicated as direction to administration to carry out the change.
