NATCHEZ — The City of Natchez is considering using social media websites such as Facebook to connect with residents.

Natchez Information Technology Director Ed Bowser is currently writing and implementing new IT policies, one of which is a social media policy.

The policy outlines who can or cannot post to social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, and what is appropriate to post, Bowser said.

Bowser is reviewing software packages that allow residents to post photographs, perhaps of something they would like to see repaired, to Facebook or Twitter and connect with the city.

The software, Bowser said, would allow residents to connect with the appropriate city department. A department representative could also notify a resident when the problem was fixed.

Other policies being implemented include an Internet and e-mail use policy. The policy, Bowser said, is to ensure city employees do not accidentally visit harmful websites or send links to harmful websites.

The city will likely be getting software to monitor employees’ Internet activity and prevent them from visiting websites that could harm the city’s system. Bowser said.

A software and hardware policy ensures employees know they cannot purchase hardware or software without IT department approval, Bowser said. The policy will also ensure employees know they cannot bring in their own software or hardware from home or take any home with them.

“They’re really meant to be more educational policies,” Bowser said.

For example, he said, an employee may not realize how much Internet bandwidth streaming media uses.

“One person listening to Internet radio equals 50 people surfing the Internet at one time,” Bowser said.

A virus protection policy will also be put in place, informing employees how to react if they are notified their computer has a virus.

All of the policies are basic policies that need to be in place at any business, Bowser said.

“We don’t think we have any problems; these policies are just letting everyone know why we do what we do,” he said.