Legal Definitions - official use

Official Use refers to the employment or application of something (such as property, information, or authority) by a government agency, public official, or authorized representative, strictly for purposes related to their official duties or functions. This typically implies that the use is sanctioned, regulated, and necessary for carrying out public responsibilities, rather than for personal or unauthorized private benefit.

• Example 1: A police officer uses a department-issued patrol car to respond to an emergency call. This is considered official use because the vehicle is being operated by an authorized public servant to perform a core duty of their job, directly serving a public safety function.

• Example 2: An employee at the Department of Motor Vehicles accesses a citizen's driving record to verify their identity for a license renewal application. This access constitutes official use of government data, as it is performed by an authorized individual for a legitimate administrative purpose within their scope of employment.

• Example 3: A city council member utilizes their government-issued laptop and email account to draft and send communications regarding an upcoming zoning proposal. This activity falls under official use because the tools are provided by the municipality, and the communication pertains directly to the council member's public duties and responsibilities in governance.