At the time, it was known as Robinson’s Prairie, named after Solon Robinson. Crown Point was incorporated as a town on June 3, 1868, and officially became a city 43 years later on June 6, 1911. Crown Point is the seat of Lake County and is considered "The Hub," of Lake County. Currently, the City of Crown Point is home to about 34,000 residents, according to the most-recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Our staff works hard every day to, "Build a Stronger Community from Within."
𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗣𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗬
Section 1: Purpose. The City of Crown Point (“City”) views social media as a tool to keep its residents and the general public informed as to matters impacting the City. This Social Media Policy (“Policy”) establishes procedures for the appropriate use of social media on City Social Media Accounts. The City has an overriding interest and expectation in protecting the integrity of the information posted on its Social Media Sites and the content that is attributed to the City, and its officials. Section 2: Applicability. This Policy applies to all City Boards, Commissions and Departments. This policy allows designated employees of the City the ability to post information on Social Media Sites that may allow commentary from the public. Section 3: Definitions.
“Social Media Sites” shall be defined as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, among other Social Media Sites.
“Social Media Account” shall be defined as all established accounts by the City on a Social Media Site. This Policy shall govern all Social Media Accounts that are maintained by the City.
“Social Media Content” shall be defined as posting of information that includes but is not limited to pictures, video, and text. Section 4: Rules for the Use of Social Media
4.1 The official City website www.crownpoint.in.gov is the City’s primary and predominant internet presence. Social Media Accounts can enhance this presence as a means of distributing information quickly and as a method to promote, engage, celebrate, and support community wide efforts. When possible, Social Media Content should not be exclusive to any Social Media Account and should also be available on the City’s primary website. Social Media Accounts should contain links directing users to the City’s official website and this Policy.
4.2 Social Media Accounts to be created by any City Board, Commission or Department after this policy’s adoption must first collaborate with the City’s Communication Director and secure the approval of the Mayor. The preference of the City is to limit the number of Social Media Accounts to avoid public confusion. Any Department using a Social Media Account will assume the primary responsibility for its content and maintenance of it. Each Department should designate one (or more) employee who may post information and maintain the Social Media Site. Departments shall periodically contact the City’s Communication Director to ensure their postings are consistent with this Policy and other applicable City guidelines.
4.3 The content of any Social Media Account, including material posted by the City or communications received from the public, may be a public record as defined under the Indiana Public Records Act. All Social Media Content must be appropriately archived.
4.4 All Social Media Accounts are to be maintained in a professional manner, always reflecting the City’s values. The City’s Communication Director shall monitor content on all Social Media Accounts to ensure adherence to this Policy. Public comments will be rejected or removed if the content includes any of the following:
• Comments that are not topically related to the posting being commented upon and/or are factually inaccurate.
• Any personal information, except for the names of employees whose job duties include being available for contact by the public.
• Promotes, fosters, or perpetuate discrimination based on race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.
• Sexual content or links to sexual content.
• Is threatening, harassing or discriminatory.
• Incites or promotes violence or illegal activities.
• Obscenity, profane language, or material
• Contains information that could compromise individual or public safety.
• Advertises, solicits, or promotes a commercial product, service, or any entity
• Promotes or endorses political campaigns
• Defamatory or contains personal attacks.
• Conduct in violation of any federal, state, or local law and encouragement of illegal activity.
4.5 The City reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this Policy or any applicable law. Any comment posted by a member of the public on any Social Media Account is the opinion of the commentator or poster only, and publication of a comment does not imply endorsement of, or agreement by the City, nor do such comments necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the City. Repeated violations of this policy by any members of the public may result in them being banned from the account’s access.
4.6 A dedicated individual, per department, will maintain a list of the Department’s Social Media Accounts, including login and password information. All such information shall be provided to the City’s Communication Director as needed.
4.7 Social Media Accounts shall be consistent with City branding and shall clearly indicate they are maintained by the specific City Department.
4.8 Social Media Accounts are not considered the City’s primary method of communicating with the public. As such, Social Media posts that are only intended to disseminate information, to serve as public announcements or similar may be made without the ability for public comment. Those that the City is actively soliciting public responses may be made to allow for public comments.
4.9 City Social Media Accounts and Content shall comply with usage rules and regulations required by the Social Media Site.
4.10 Social Media Posts must abide by laws governing copyright and fair use of copyrighted material owned by others. Social Media Content should never include whole articles or publications without first receiving written permission from the publication owner. Social Media Content should never quote an excerpt of someone else’s work without acknowledging the source, and, if possible, provide a link to the original.
4.11 Those posting Social Media Content should always consider the content and audience before posting. Although Social Media Content is often less formal than Press Releases, any information provided on a Social Media Account is perceived as official City communication. Social Media Sites will be sought out by mainstream media for City information– so thought needs to go into how best to use social media in a way that benefits both the City and the public.
4.12 The City’s Communication Director, with input from the Mayor and City’s Legal Department, is authorized to make minor changes to those that are not consistent with this Policy, and which provide greater clarity to the public.
