Confidential Information

1. A co-worker told me that a lot of the information in the files I work with is confidential and I cannot use or disclose it. Is that correct?
   
   Answer: Partially. Employees may use any information available to them for performing their jobs. They may not, however, share or use proprietary, privileged, or confidential information for any other reason than their jobs.
   
   Management policy and case law determines if and when information in a City file is confidential, proprietary, or privileged. Any questions about disclosure of information you work with should be directed to your department's management or Public Disclosure Officer.
   
   
2. I think my neighbor is a good candidate for a job in my department. Can I tell her what I know they are looking for?
   
   Answer: You may give your neighbor information that is available to other candidates for the position. However, before you share information about rating criteria with an applicant, or information regarding a City promotional exam with someone who plans to take the exam, you should confirm with your manager that the information is publicly available.

For the Ethics Code regulations on confidential or privileged information,
see SMC 4.16.070(4)(a) or contact the SEEC for advice.