Misconduct in the News in October 2025: What Every Employer Needs to Know

As October comes to an end, online misconduct continues to escalate public risk for organizations in every sector. The headlines this month serve as a powerful reminder: online actions can become organizational crises overnight. In Fama’s monthly roundup, we examine five cases ranging from healthcare privacy breaches to workplace threats and law enforcement misconduct, spotlighting how easily online behavior can endanger trust, reputation, and workplace safety.

Key Incidents in October

Jay Hospital employees fired over “horrible” pictures of sleeping, medicated patients

Jay Hospital says they fired staff who allegedly took pictures of sleeping and medicated patients and posted them on social media. At least three patients have come forward claiming they were offered as high as $50,000 by the hospital to sign non-disclosure releases. The patients say hospital administrators would not show them the pictures but told them they were 'horrible.'” The hospital conducted an investigation upon discovering the allegations, terminated the employees involved, and reported the incident to authorities. (Pensacola News Journal) 

Suburban police officer placed on ‘administrative leave' over social media post

An Elgin police officer was removed from duty pending internal investigation into social posts conflicting with departmental standards for professionalism. The Police Chief did not say what was in the post, but made it clear she acted swiftly after being alerted of the posts. She “want(s) to reassure the community that our commitment to you remains steadfast—to serve and protect everyone’s rights, to ensure a safe community, and remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism." NBC Chicago notes that this wasn’t the first time the officer was disciplined for his social media misconduct. The Police Chief announced future updates will come in a department Facebook post following the incident. (NBC Chicago)

Fired Fiserv employee arrested in parking lot after allegedly buying gun and threatening to kill coworkers

A terminated Fiserv employee was apprehended after making explicit violent threats against former colleagues on social platforms. Threats included comments like: “There is absolutely no calming me down,” “I want everyone around me to die immediately,” “Every delay will ensure I drive faster and get that gun,” and “Every single person who follow or shows up will die a horrible death.” The company’s security team saw the online threats and quickly engaged law enforcement to prevent tragedy, a vital demonstration of technology’s role in early risk detection. (Coral Springs Talk)

[Former sports analyst] responds after TSN fired him over provocative online comments

TSN parted ways with former hockey player and sports analyst after several inflammatory and discriminatory online posts surfaced, generating public backlash and reinforcing the need for transparent digital conduct expectations. Posts included calling someone out “for being vaccinated” and a bigoted comment about people attending a peaceful protest, “I can only imagine the smell down there.’ Hockey Feed noted that his comments online had “[drawn] some pretty significant negative attention.” (HockeyFeed)

Two traffic cops suspended for misconduct

Two Islamabad officers were suspended after social media footage showed alleged misconduct toward a biker at a traffic check point, sparking demands for accountability and reinforcing how digital evidence is reshaping workplace investigations worldwide. (The Express Tribune)

The Takeaway: Don’t Wait for a Crisis, Act Proactively with Social Media Screening

As digital natives grow from 50 to 75% of the workforce by 2030, employers will continue to see the gap between online misconduct and workplace misconduct close. Nearly all recruiters (96%) say they would reject a candidate based on online content, and 1 in 4 Gen Z candidates report being rejected due to their social media activity.

As more of our professional lives play out online, digital conduct is now a clear indicator of workplace risk. Social media misconduct can transform into full-blown crises overnight, across healthcare, finance, media, law enforcement, and beyond.

Today’s HR and talent leaders are understanding that safety and trust demands more than legacy background checks. Proactive social media and online screening is a must for mitigating modern organizational risk.

When it comes to misconduct, what happens online never stays online. Learn how Fama can safeguard your workplace, brand, and people.