Public Information Officer

Hamilton County Sheriff''s Office • Chattanooga TN 37402, TN

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, this role serves as the information and communications coordinator and spokesperson or media liaison for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The primary goal is to accurately disseminate information relating to the operation and activities of the Sheriff’s Office to the media and public in a manner that will inform without jeopardizing the integrity of the office or its employees. This position performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must have a bachelor degree or higher from an accredited college or university in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing or political science or the equivalent of formal training for public information officers, communications, journalism and public relations.
• At least two (2) years working full time as a public information officer or related field in a law enforcement environment; or
• At least two (2) years in a multimedia or news operation.
• Knowledge of professional journalism methods, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of public relations methods, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement approaches to accidents, crime, criminal investigations, victims, witnesses and suspects.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, practices, procedures and protocol related to Sheriff’s Office programs and services.
• Knowledge of research, analysis and interpretation of information.
• Knowledge of computer hardware, Microsoft software and peripherals.
• Knowledge of investigative methods and practices.
• Knowledge of elements needed in the development of general public information plans.
• Knowledge of elements needed for the development of crisis/emergency communication and public information plans.
• Knowledge and ability to maintain professional media image.
• Skill utilizing verbal and written communication in the development of responses, correspondence, public relations and media releases and newsletters.
• Skill in developing public information and publicity plans.
• Skill providing information to reporters, media and the public.
• Skill providing instructions and guidance to Sheriff’s Office officials and employees related to responding to media inquiries.
• Skill and experience in conducting media interviews.
• Skill researching, analyzing and interpreting information.
• Skill determining the appropriate referrals and resources for journalists and reporters.
• Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective relations within the law enforcement community locally and throughout the country as needed.
• Skill in developing information resources.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the accurate dissemination of news from the Sheriff’s Office to the media and public.
• Advises Sheriff’s Office officials and employees on effective communication techniques related to print and broadcast media.
• Links journalists working on breaking news stories pertaining to the Sheriff’s Office with appropriate officials or other information sources.
• Provides background information regarding the operations of the Sheriff’s Office so journalists realize how the specific details they are seeking fit into the total picture and are less likely to take things out of context.
• Assists with numerous public information and service projects and programs.
• Performs and conducts interviews representing the Sheriff’s Office with television, radio broadcast, and print media.
• Utilizes personal contacts and/or press releases to make journalists aware of Sheriff’s Office newsworthy events and programs.
• Develops publicity campaigns for events and programs to develop public awareness or participation.
• Develops annual public information and publicity plan.
• Assists in writing articles for the Sheriff’s Office monthly newsletter.
• Keeps up with local coverage of crime-related news to ensure accuracy of reporting.
• Maintains a professional relationship with all other law enforcement agencies.
• Promotes the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and its employees internally with programs and throughout our county.
• Makes press releases and provides positive information about the HCSO to the media and citizens’ groups.
• Speaks at local commission meetings and civic groups.
• Sponsors Sheriff’s Office programs like the Community Shred Day and Law Enforcement Memorial Service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level