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Sherwood council debates tone and oversight of police social media after a post drew complaints
Summary
The police chief outlined social‑media goals and review controls after councilors criticized a department post they said bordered on humiliating; councilors asked staff to continue internal review processes and, where appropriate, take the matter to the police advisory board rather than adopt a council directive now.
Sherwood councilors used part of the November work session to examine police social‑media practices after a department post prompted complaints about tone and potential humiliation of a suspect.
Chief presented the department’s goals for social media — "to keep people informed and safe and to be transparent and accountable" — and described how the platforms serve as an immediate investigative tool. He said the department has implemented a multi‑level review process so that posts run through supervisors and captains before publishing.
Councilors read a specific example aloud: a light‑hearted, descriptive post about a retail‑theft suspect that included humorous and demeaning language. Several members said the post went too far and prompted demeaning public comments; one councilor said, "This is seriously hilarious... This b----- needs to be publicly humiliated," quoting a comment that had appeared beneath the department’s post to illustrate the problem. Councilors urged more caution and asked staff to avoid language that could be construed as shaming.
City Attorney reminded the council that a 2020 ordinance (cited as 2.36...) requires certain police policies to start at the police advisory board before advancing to council. Several councilors said they prefer staff craft administrative social‑media policies and controls and bring recommended changes through the police advisory board, rather than the council adopting a top‑down post policy immediately.
Council members also raised legal exposure questions; the city attorney said anyone can sue, but defamation requires a false statement and the city may have immunities. The chief said staff has already tightened review controls and will continue to solicit feedback.
Next steps: the department will continue internal review procedures, incorporate council feedback about tone and dignity, coordinate with the police advisory board where ordinance procedures apply, and return if further council action is necessary.
