APD: Think before you post

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (KRQE) - You have the right to remain silent.

A new policy by the Albuquerque Police Department means certain things its officers post on the internet can get them fired.

The top brass is tightening what officers can say and show when it comes to what they post on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

After a social media mishap where an APD officer recently involved in a fatal shooting listed his occupation as "human waste disposal", the new policy surfaced.

Officer Trey Economidy was put on desk duty after the controversial Facebook post and shooting.

The post came to light after Economidy shot and killed 29-year-old Jacob Mitschelen after he pulled a gun on the officer in February.

The new policy released Wednesday afternoon states APD personnel cannot post anything that makes the department look bad.

Employees also cannot post any pictures of cop cars, badges or anything that identifies them as an APD officer without permission from the chief or a higher up.

APD spokesperson Sgt. Trish Hoffman said the Economidy Facebook flub got their attention, but this policy was already on the department's radar.

"I think this is actually a long time coming," Hoffman said. "This is something that is happening throughout the country with law enforcement, with public safety in general."

Any APD employee who violates the new social media policy could be disciplined and even fired.

Albuquerque Police Officers Union president Joey Sigala told News 13 that he sees the need for a policy, but said officers should be able to post positive comments and pictures without approval.

He said the union hopes to sit down with the chief to try and fine tune the policy.