Public Information Officer-Casper Police Department

City of Casper•Casper Police Department - Casper, WY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Casper is seeking a dynamic, self-motivated individual to serve as a Public Information Officer for the Police Department. In this essential role, you will be the key liaison between the department, the public, and the media, helping to ensure clear, transparent, and effective communication. You will manage media relations, oversee public information campaigns, coordinate press conferences, and create compelling content for social media and the department’s website. If you have a background in public relations, journalism, or communications, with a strong ability to work independently and handle crisis situations, we want you on our team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to your community while working in a fast-paced, impactful environment. Join us and make a difference at the Casper Police Department and in the City of Casper! Incumbent is responsible for acting as a liaison between the Police Department, the public, and the news media.

Requirements

Social media, print, electronic, radio/television, and other media used to distribute public information.
AP Writing Style.
Public and community relations.
Confidentiality and pertinent privacy laws.
Customer service principles.
Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements.
Leadership principles.
Basic math.
Record keeping and file management principles.
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
Social media platforms and management of those systems.
Modern office procedures, methods, and use of technological equipment including database management.
Routinely demonstrate the City of Casper core values.
Follow all City safety rules and procedures and immediately respond to/investigate observations or employee reports of accidents/incidents or unsafe conditions.
Work a variety of call out times including weekends, nights, and holidays as needed.
Work professionally and effectively with the public and emergency responders in crisis situations.
Communicate tactfully and diplomatically with external customers and department personnel at all levels.
Earn and maintain the trust of employees and the community through transparent communication.
Perform videography, photography, and graphic design.
Learn local geography, street names, directional orientation, and landmarks.
Maintain confidentiality.
Consistently demonstrate integrity in all areas.
Coordinate events and groups of people, including small and large-scale public events.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Organize work to consistently handle multiple tasks simultaneously and ensure that workflow and administrative requirements are completed in an efficient and timely manner.
Organize records in an easily retrievable fashion.
Operate a variety of modern office equipment and tools.
Work independently on a variety of tasks simultaneously in the absence of supervision.
Create presentations and speak in public.
Maintain a neat and professional appearance.
Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Follow written and verbal instructions and direction.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Extensive interpersonal skills required to respond to non-routine and/or technical questions and complaints.
Coordinating events and groups of people.
Dealing in a courteous, knowledgeable, and tactful manner with staff and general public.
Working on several projects or issues simultaneously.
Program and project management.
Technical writing.
Public speaking.
Conflict resolution.
Marketing.
Maintaining a calm composure in crisis situations.
Explaining legal processes in common terms.
Working independently in the absence of supervision.
Gathering information; preparing articles, graphics, and pictures for newsletters and publications online and print formats.
Oral and written communication, sufficient to exchange or convey effective information and to receive work direction.
Adobe Creative Suite.
Editing professional videos.
Training others in how to effectively speak with the media.
High school diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) required.
Minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in public or media relations, writing-intensive position preferable in related function.

Nice To Haves

Public sector/local government experience preferred.
Associate’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as listed below.
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Bilingual Spanish/English skills preferred.
Possession of a valid Wyoming Driver’s License preferred.

Responsibilities

Functions as an individual contributor with respect to police public information programs; must apply a significant degree of initiative and independent judgement.
Oversees media training of key department spokespersons.
Coordinates media efforts, press conferences (as needed), and public communications during police emergency response events; collaborates with the City’s Public Engagement team (as needed).
Establishes, develops, and maintains contact with authorized local, national, and international media, professional and civic organizations, and other special interest groups to promote agency programs.
Supports the Chief of Police and Command Staff with prewritten statements and messages for media interviews and appearances.
Maintains the Police Department’s website and other social media outlets including developing clear, creative, and compelling content, such as public service announcements.
Develops and implements strategic communication plans for community outreach needs in conjunction with the City’s Community Engagement Team.
Prepares comprehensive reports and presentations about the Police Department for, the public, community groups, and City Council, at the direction of the Chief of Police.
Responds to media inquiries relating to the Police Department and coordinates interviews and timely information response.
Participates in the coordination and administration of city communication teams or programs as assigned by the Chief of Police.
Represents the City of Casper by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor.
Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.