Freqeuntly Asked Questions on DJJ Computer Use and Security

DJJ’s objective is to provide its employees the fastest, most secure computer environment possible within our limited resources.  As DJJ becomes more reliant on the Internet as a mode of doing business, the Department must take precautions to protect the valuable information stored within its servers.  This information must be protected against hackers, virus creators, and all others that seek to do harm to the Department’s hardware and software.  As we change the way we do business, it is imperative that we change the way we protect our resources.

In order to help you understand how this might affect you as a user, we have compiled our responses below to the most frequently asked questions.

Q. Is someone monitoring my emails or computer?

A. No.  However, all emails and computers are the property of the DJJ and the State and therefore can be searched and/or confiscated without your permission.  This is not a new event, but rather one that always has been in place.  The use of agency owned property constitutes your consent.  The appropriate use of the computer and/or Internet is a personal responsibility; any inappropriate use of the computer and/or Internet is a supervisory issue.

Q. Why can’t I listen to the radio over the Internet on my lunch hour?

A. The Department has limited bandwidth that must be shared by all of the employees (over 1,000) on the network.  Streaming audio and video files like Real Player and Windows Media Player consume tremendous amounts of bandwidth.  This type of web content slows down the overall performance of our network, resulting in limited access and slow-downs for employees trying to use the system.

Q. Why can’t I download that cool screensaver my Mom told me about?

A. That cool screensaver may reside on a site that has spyware and/or adware attached to it.  Downloading from the internet is the most common way viruses, worms and other malicious content is introduced to our network.

Q. Why can’t I load personal software or free software from the Internet on a DJJ computer?

A. Three reasons: 1) The software may have spyware and/or adware attached to it.  Downloading even free software from the Internet can contain viruses, worms and other malicious content that can be introduced to our network. 2) Software licenses are required for every software program that resides in Department computers.  The Department purchases the licenses for all purchased software.  Using unlicensed software exposes the Department to severe fines and penalties under the federal copyright law. 3) Software applications like Weatherbug, Instant Messenger, and Webshots  leaves open a continuous Internet connection which can lead to viruses entering through these open connections, hindering our system performance.

Q. Why are certain websites blocked?

A. The Department uses web filtering software to protect our employees and juveniles from offensive and potentially harmful web content.  The Office of Information Technology (OIT) will unblock any websites that are deemed necessary to your job function.  Your supervisor may request that the blocked site be unblocked.

Q. Why can’t I access educational websites or download free educational enhancements to use for my own educational growth or to use as a resource for teaching in the classroom.

A. You can. For all employees that work for the DJJ Division of Educational Services, the Network Administrator will assist. Just send a request via email and unless there is a threat to the system, your request will be honored.      

Q. Why can’t I connect my personal laptop to the DJJ network?

A. All Department computers are configured to work with the DJJ network.  The computers are loaded with the appropriate virus protection software and Department approved software.  All other computers pose a significant risk to the stability of the network.

Q. Why can’t I use my personal email account from work?

A. The use of personal email within the Department’s network exposes the entire network to worms, viruses, spam, and other unwanted types of web content.  The Office of Information Technology establishes an email account for all network users to be used when transacting DJJ business.  The Department’s email system is secure and allows for the transmission of confidential information. If you have noticed a reduction in the your spam mail, it is because a spam-filtering system has been working to rid us of this problem.

Please let us know via e-mail what other questions you might have about your use of the computer and/or Internet.  We will post them on the employee portal if your question is asked frequently.

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
4900 Broad River Road
Columbia SC, 29212-3552
Telephone: 803-896-9749