Police Public Information Officer

City of Lynchburg•Lynchburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Collaborates with Department officials in developing written communications for use internally and externally and visual materials designed to serve the public relations and communication needs of the department; develops and implements positive public relations and social media communications and materials; and performs other duties as assigned. Responsible for internal Command Staff messaging to Department employees. Additionally, supervises team including the Assistant Police Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist. The ideal candidate will have a track record of success in fast paced environments and will demonstrate the ability to understand police related policies and procedures and data and synthesize it into easy to understand, relevant information for public consumption through a variety of media sources. The candidate must be able to pivot quickly between strategic planning and incident management and have an ability to work autonomously while quickly establishing collaborative working relationships across all disciplines.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, broadcasting, or related field and five or more years of related experience and/or training in public relations, communications, public administration, journalism, editorial work, or marketing.
Must have demonstrated strong experience in writing, public speaking, website management, audio/video production methods and, community outreach.
Must meet the requirements to access law enforcement systems.
Subject to call out at night and on weekends; must have ability to respond at all hours to important events to coordinate social and traditional media relations.
Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state, and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry check, credit check, and polygraph examination.
This position requires eligibility for access to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN).
Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who is eligible for naturalization.
Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to city criteria .
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

Responsibilities

Defines, writes, and edits timely, relevant and effective communication to an array of stakeholders for a variety of channels including, but not limited to web copy, newsletter and magazine articles, speeches, news releases, official positions, message points, video scripts and correspondence.
Establishes strategies to build community relationships by ensuring the open exchange of accurate information through community input and partnerships.
Organizes the development and implementation of methods for communicating information to the public through various forms to include but not limited to news releases, email, use of videos, internet, social media, brochures, presentations, crime maps, media outlets, public broadcasting, or other mediums.
Maintains positive contacts with the media, enhancing the image of the Department while providing the public with information that is complete, accurately verified, and up to date.
Responds to media inquiries on routine, emergency, sensitive, and controversial matters.
Develops pre-emptive crisis planning templates and leads all crisis communications.
Drives comprehensive content development, including informational campaigns on department issues and initiatives, press releases, or similar communications.
Arranges for and assists at news conferences, reviews information for release by Department personnel.
Maintains a thorough working knowledge of positive public relations processes and best practices.
Uses state-of-the-art photographic and videography equipment to shoot a wide variety of subjects in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Advises Chief of Police on matters related to communications and public relations, including sensitive, high-profile matters.
Serves as a resource for, and assists Police Department employees with, media inquiries.
Monitors news coverage of Lynchburg Police Department and City activities, programs, policies, and actions.
Effectively leverages resources to achieve organizational priorities and influence outcomes.
Maintains a thorough working knowledge of desktop publishing software and of design principles and publication standards
Prepares various types of materials for effective use in multiple types of media, publications and other relevant platforms, including the use of excellent graphic design skills.
Utilizes advanced computer skills knowledge with the ability to design and maintain websites and uses graphic design and video editing software applications to edit videos and develop graphic designs and media layouts for multimedia publications and social media platforms.
Understands and follows complex instructions, policies, and data with ease.
Oversees the Department's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.
Leads outreach activities and marketing/advertising campaigns to engage diverse communities.
Supervises the work of others and manages multiple needs from stakeholders that require constant attention and prioritization.
Facilitates the periodic review and assessment of LPD branding, including images and logos, slogans, public-facing design elements, internet presence, etc.
Suggests improvements in Department practices relevant to police-community interaction.
Surveys residents and businesses to obtain and evaluate information regarding department activities.
Oversees workflows and work assignments to ensure effective collaboration and consistent quality.
Films and edits internal and external videos for communication of key messaging.
Creates strategies for innovative solutions that best fit the organization.
Collaborates with Personnel and Recruiting Unit on marketing needs to reach the best potential candidates to serve the City.
Remains abreast of upcoming legislation affecting the Department and develops potential informational materials.
Manages Department website.
Leads event planning Department-wide.
Serves as a member of the Department’s Command Staff.
Facilitates command-level meetings and assists with development of Department strategic plans and processes.
Conducts media relations training for Department staff.
Maintains the Department’s calendar of community group events and interaction activities.
Creates educational brochures and flyers to inform the community about issues such as crime prevention and various services offered by the Department.
Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints.
Research new topics and legislation in crime prevention and public records dissemination.
Collaborates with City departments in planning for major events and festivals.
Assists with design and preparation of the Department's annual report.
Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.
Supervises team including the Assistant Police Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist.