As a government services provider to a geographic jurisdiction, many city department activities involve performing work at sites other than city buildings. Mobile communications have been an essential tool for city services from the city's inception with radio technology through today's modern technology. As communications technology has rapidly evolved, the application tools available through mobile devices have exploded. There are increasing numbers of employees who are able to conduct productive city work activity from mobile devices and the number of mobile devices utilized by city departments is also increasing rapidly.
This policy is intended to help regulate the use of mobile devices, primarily in two important areas. First, to the extent that mobile devices connect to the city's computer networks, the devices present a possible threat vector. In order to protect the networks and minimize risk to the city and its assets, policies are necessary to minimize holes in network firewalls and minimize intentional or unintentional use of mobile devices to introduce malware, viruses, or unauthorized access onto the networks.
Second, at one time, mobile devices were generally single-purpose and expensive. This meant that the most feasible approach to using such devices was for the city to purchase and control the devices. With modern device evolution, most people now possess one or more multi-function mobile devices for their personal use. Most devices also have the capacity to be used for city purposes as well. This policy allows departments a cost-saving option to pay stipends for employees to use their own devices for pre-selected city work functions, rather than the city purchasing the devices. This is similar to purchasing city vehicles in some circumstances and providing mileage reimbursements in others.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Information Technology Policy, which now includes the Wireless Communications Device and Phone Policy as an appendix.