Washington state officers may soon be asked to sacrifice their like and retweet counts, or else they could lose their certifications and jobs. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission is asking officers to agree to a review of their social media accounts, NewsWeek reported.
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The state's police oversight agency would do the review, and all officers would need to complete the training by Oct. 31, according to the CJTC's website.
Officers are being asked to consent to the release of personal files and other records related directly to CJTC certification.
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Officers are also being asked to "consent to, and agree to facilitate, a review of any of my social media accounts immediately upon a request by a representative of the Commission."
It also states, "I understand that failure to facilitate such a review when requested may result in a decertification action."
Legislation enacted earlier this year now gives the CJTC the capability to investigate police misconduct and revoke or suspend a police officer's license.
Many law enforcement agencies did not know the requirement was for more than just background checks on new recruits, but they think the CJTC may have misinterpreted the law.
"An employing agency must inquire as to whether the applicant has any affiliations with extremist organizations, and the applicant must consent to or facilitate a review of the officer's social media accounts," a Senate Bill report explained, NewsWeek reported.
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Still, according to the CJTC's website, all certified officers are currently required to sign a new consent form that will allow a review of social media accounts.
"All officers previously consented to providing employee records if an incident of misconduct was reported that could lead to revocation. Under the new law, additional consent is needed for review of their social media accounts," the website states.
The website goes on to say, "We have created an online class that includes a PowerPoint and a web form that can be signed electronically. This form will be attached to the officer's profile for future needs."
Two police unions have shared with their members that they will not sign the CJTC's declaration until specific concerns they have are addressed.