OXFORD — Selectmen unanimously passed a policy Thursday urging town employees to exercise caution in keeping any personal Web sites.

Town Manager Michael Chammings said the recommendation came on the advice of a town attorney from Bernstein Shur, who met with Chammings to discuss general issues with social media use by public employees. Chammings said improper use of such sites by public officials and employees have increasingly been used in lawsuits and other matters.

“All the employees will be given a copy, and they’ll be expected to abide by it,” Chammings said.

The policy does not forbid employees from keeping personal Web sites, but urges “responsible” use.

“Please note that the Town of Oxford reserves the right to review any public social media sites when making employment decisions, including but not limited to those concerning hiring, promotions and discipline,” the policy states. “Accordingly, employees are cautioned to exercise discretion and common sense when using such sites.”

The policy asks that employees do not compromise the “professional reputation or effectiveness” of the employees or the town. It asks that postings on personal Web sites be consistent with the way employees wish to present themselves as representatives of the town. Other points in the policy ask that employees make clear that their comments on the site do not necessarily represent those of the town and abide by town policy by not using social media to harass or threaten other employees.

Further points in the policy warn that employees are personally liable for a release of confidential information, violation of privacy or offensive remarks. Violation of the policy is punishable by disciplinary action, including possible dismissal. The policy also asks that town employees not use social media while they are working, with the exception of police officers investigating such sites.

Chammings said the town has experienced some problems involving employees and social media. In one matter that occurred in October, former reserve police officer Chris Knight was terminated from the Oxford Police Department, in part, for posting critical remarks about the department on his Facebook page.

According to an article in the Advertiser Democrat, Knight’s termination was reversed on appeal to the selectmen in December. Chammings said Thursday that Knight has resigned to attend school in Florida.

The policy identifies MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube, and blogs as examples of the sites covered under the policy.

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