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http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-dpd-facebook-social-media-policy-story,0,6964525.story

Dallas Police Senior Cpl. Cat Lafitt is currently on administrative leave with pay, for what she's been posting and saying on her Facebook page.

"What happened here is we had pictures of the officer in uniform, making what appeared to be derogatory and some might easily argue racial commentary that does mandate an investigation," said Dallas Police Spokesperson Lt. C.L. Williams.

DPD has a relatively new social media networking policy that outlines guidelines for officers. It's apart of their general orders. The policy says employees must not post items or information that may adversely affect the morale, confidence, and public respect of the department.

Williams says the department is looking for officers to maintain neutral appearances online for reasons that go beyond public opinion.

"If they wind up in court and this information ,which is out there in the public, is brought in as an attempt by defense attorneys to discredit the officer," said Williams.

Fort Worth PD told us they don't even have an active social media policy. Dallas Lawyer Gary Ashmore said its something he recommends for police.

" I can tell you even in my own practice here, one of the first places you look whether we're representing a client, or we're looking into defendants, or other plaintiffs in cases, we look at social media," said Lawyer Gary Ashmore.

Lafitte's Facebook was filled with comments about an altercation she had with an orderly at a Plano Hospital. She also had comments about cussing out her own Lieutenant, and pictures about African-Americans and the homeless. But Dallas residents we spoke with were split on whether or not she should keep her job.

"She went to school and everything else, just to be a police officer so making a comment isn't a reason to just go and fire somebody," said Dallas Resident Lovie Wilson.

"Anything your not comfortable with being on the front page of the newspaper you shouldn't post online," said Dallas Resident William Hicks. DPD expects this investigation to be complete with a few weeks.

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