COURSE DESCRIPTION
Now, more than ever before, police departments find themselves under the scrutiny of the press and the public. Actions of police officers, the policies in place at your agency and the public perception of your department might likely be examined in detailed by the press and the community. It is important that information is provided to the press and the community in a way that is fair, professional and timely. Law enforcement’s link between the agency and the media is the Public Information Officer (PIO). Whether permanently assigned or suddenly thrust into the position by chance, the PIO needs to have the skills necessary to effectively and professionally provide news and information to the public. This course is designed for current PIOs as well as line officers and supervisors who, by virtue of their positions, might be called upon to interact with the new media. Officers will learn to effectively communicate news and information in ways that favorably represent his/her department.
TOPICS:
- What is a PIO and what is his/her role?
- What are preferred PIO skills and qualifications?
- How to deal with public information requests
- How to write press releases
- How to conduct a press conferences
- How to manage social media
- The PIO role in critical incidents
- What is news?
- Police/press conflict and resolution