Public Information Officer - Police

Police Department/Support Services

$87K — $130K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or related field.
  • 5+ years experience in public relations, communications, or related fields.
  • Proven skills in written communication and media relations.
  • Proficiency in digital media, including social media and video production.
  • Knowledge of Florida Public Records and Sunshine Laws.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the main point of contact between the police department and various stakeholders.
  • Provide timely and accurate information on police incidents and departmental activities.
  • Oversee social media and website content for the police department.
  • Manage public communications during critical incidents for clear messaging.
  • Organize media events and prepare press releases.
  • Support community engagement and recruitment initiatives.
  • Advise leadership on communication strategies and public perceptions.

Benefits

  • Excellent Benefits Package
  • Opportunity for involvement in community engagement efforts
  • Training and professional development opportunities
Full Job Description
Summary

Under general direction, coordinates and participates in the development, communication and delivery of information designed to keep the public informed of City programs, events, accomplishments and services through the use of various communications media and personal contact; and performs other related duties as assigned. Serves as communication liaison for the Police Department.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Which are not in any hierarchical order)

1. Serve as the primary liaison between the police department and the media, public, and other stakeholders.

2. Provides accurate and timely information on incidents, investigations, and departmental activities; coordinate and responds to media inquiries.

3. Manages and maintains the departments social media platforms and police department website; produces, edits, and publishes video content for social media platforms, the police department website, recruitment campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and public information messaging.

4. Manages public communications during emergencies or critical incidents, ensuring consistent messaging and transparency.

5. Organizes press conferences and media events; prepares and distributes press releases.

6. Supports community outreach, engagement efforts and recruitment events.

7. Advises command staff on communication strategies and public perception.

8. Maintains photographic and digital media archives for department use.

9. Prepares and submits nominations for local, state, and national award, as well as the departments annual awards ceremony.

10. Maintains a working knowledge of Florida Public Records Law, Florida Sunshine Law and applicable Florida statutes related to the release of public information and media communications.

11. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Based on area of assignment)

Knowledge of journalism and communications, including Internet, print, radio and television broadcasting policies and procedures.

Knowledge of Florida Public Records Law, Sunshine Law, and applicable state statutes related to public information.

Knowledge of City and Citys demographics and resources.

Strong written verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong computer skills including proficiency in graphic design, publishing, and drawing programs.

Ability to prepare and disseminate press releases, media statements, and public communications.

Proficiency in social media engagement, website administration, photography, videography, and video editing.

Ability to manage media inquiries, public information requests, and crisis communications.

Ability to exercise sound judgement and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.

Ability to effectively promote the City through written materials and on camera interviews.

Ability to conduct research and communicate with public and City employees.

Ability to coordinate a variety of activities simultaneously.

Ability to work overtime, respond to after-hours incidents, and attend evening and weekend events as needed.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Salary

Depending on qualifications the starting salary for this position will be in the range of $87,184 - $130,794 (Pay Grade 73):

Excellent Benefits!

Qualifications

Bachelors degree with a major in Journalism, Public Relations, English, Communications, Marketing, Advertising, Business or Public Administration or related field (education will be verified using the Education Requirements listed below) and five (5) years of experience in public relations/public information, communications, advertising, marketing, news writing or reporting is required, or any equivalent combination of experience.

A current and valid Florida drivers license is required. For application purposes, a valid drivers license from any state (equivalent to a State of Florida Class E) may be utilized; with the ability to obtain the State of Florida drivers license within thirty (30) days from date of employment.

Education Requirements : To be considered valid (or verified) for position qualification purposes, and consistent with City Hiring Policy 4-5, a High School, GED or equivalent diploma, and all higher education degrees or certifications must have been issued by:

a) a public education institution in the State of Florida or any State or Territory of the United States; or

b) an institution accredited by an accrediting organization that is recognized by the Florida Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Education; or

c) an institution that is accredited by an organization that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA); or

d) an institution whose degree or certification is accepted by institutions identified in either a), b), or c), above, for the purpose of admission to institutions identified in either a), b), or c) above.

International degrees will be evaluated to determine if they satisfy qualification requirements.

Special Driving Requirements

Have not lost any driving privileges by reason of revocation, suspension or denial of license, or have been convicted and/or had an adjudication withheld of three or more moving violations.

Have not had one DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in any preceding twenty-four (24) month period. License suspension of two weeks or less or suspensions based only on non-moving violations that have been cleared will not automatically result in revocation of driving privileges.

Have not had more than one DUI (conviction or adjudication withheld) in Florida or any other state within the past ten (10) years.

Additional Details

The selection process for this position may consist of any, all or a combination of the following tests:

- Evaluation of training and experience (minimum qualifications)

- Passing of oral interview/fingerprints

- Truth Verification Exam

- Background/criminal record evaluation

- Approval by Chief of Police, or designee

- Passing of physical/drug/alcohol screening

Never convicted of a felony; or misdemeanor involving perjury, false statement, moral turpitude, or domestic violence.

State of Emergency: When normal operations of City departments are suspended or interrupted due to a declaration by the Mayor that a state of emergency exists, all employees will be deemed critical by the City. For the preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail, employees deemed necessary shall be required to work. Employees deemed critical by the City but not needed for the initial preparation and/or continuation of emergency operations or for special work detail may be directed not to report to work, and given paid administrative leave or they may be reassigned to another location that best meet the needs of the City.

How To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position you may apply online by selecting the Apply Now button at the end of the job posting. Applications must be received in Human Resources by the closing date.

Currency USD

Closing Date

Amount of Travel

Work At Home

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