Computer and Email Usage

PDQ may provide employees with electronic access, consisting of an e-mail system, a network connection, and Internet/Intranet access. This policy governs all use of the company's network, Internet/Intranet access, and e-mail systems within PDQ. This policy includes but is not limited to, electronic mail, chat rooms, the Internet, news groups, electronic bulletin boards, and all electronic messaging systems.

PDQ intends for the e-mail system and Internet to be accessed for business purposes. PDQ allows its employees to access the e-mail system and Internet for non-business purposes only during breaks, for no more than 15 minutes per day during working hours, and in strict compliance with the terms of this policy.

PDQ specifically prohibits its employees from accessing the following types of sites using company computers:

*gambling sites

*hate sites

*pornographic sites

*any site engaging in or encouraging illegal activity

Employees are prohibited from sending abusive, harassing, intimidating, threatening, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive messages via e-mail. An employee should notify their Supervisor and the Human Resources Department upon receiving such an e-mail.

Employees must abide by copyright laws, ethics rules, and other applicable laws.

Network and Internet access is provided as a tool for our organization's business. PDQ reserves the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time, without prior notice, any and all usage of the Network and the Internet, as well as any and all materials, files, information, software, communications, and other content transmitted, received, or stored in connection with this usage. All such information, content, and files are the property of PDQ. An employee should have no exception of privacy regarding them. Based on established investigative procedures, Management may review files and intercept communications for any reason, including but not limited to maintaining system integrity and ensuring employees are using the system consistently with this Policy.

The following spells out the steps required to monitor employee e-mails:

Most importantly, e-mails can only be viewed at the request of Bill Tell

I. If monitoring a non-manager or non-supervisor

-The management team must be advised of the target

-A majority of management team members must vote to proceed

-E-mails will be reviewed by the manager of the target

-Report of findings will be made to the management team and Bill Tell

-Action taken will be discussed. Consult legal counsel if deemed prudent

-Take disciplinary action

II. If monitoring a manager or supervisor

-Bill Tell is the only employee who can review manager or supervisor e-mail.

-He can proceed as he sees fit.

-He can consult legal counsel if deemed prudent.

-He will determine any disciplinary action if necessary.

Use of the Network and the Internet is a privilege, not a right. PDQ reserves the right to suspend access at any time, without notice, for technical reasons, possible policy violations, security or other concerns.

Any employee aware of a policy violation should report the violation to Management.

Violation of these policies will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Policy No.  516  Issued  1/1/2010