City of Tampa

This is responsible work serving as the spokesperson and coordinator of public information for the Police Department.

The employee in this class, under administrative direction, serves as the public information coordinator and official spokesperson for the Police Department. Work involves tasks of more than average difficulty in planning, organizing, and coordinating police public relations activities and is performed under general supervision. Due to the nature of police work, the employee must exercise considerable initiative and independent judgement in addition to considerable discretion as to what, when, and to whom information is released in order to protect innocent parties, pending cases, and unfinished investigations. The employee must take great care to ensure that the accuracy of all statements is ensured before being released and, as spokesperson for the Police Chief, must exercise tact and courtesy in dealing with the media and the public. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results achieved. Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Coordinates the efforts of the public information unit of the Police Department to assure that the press and public are provided with access to timely, accurate, and informative news concerning police operations and programs. Guides, contributes to, and participates in departmental public relations efforts for the purpose of promoting trust, cooperation, and understanding; coordinates and facilitates the dissemination of information to the media and the general public; prepares news releases and schedules and organizes press conferences.

Conducts research on materials for feature newspaper and magazine articles and radio and television stories and documentaries; arranges for and coordinates the appearance of police personnel as needed.

Compiles information, writes, edits, and publishes a departmental news letter, Signal 14; writes and produces a monthly TV show, On Duty with the Tampa Police Department, hosted by the Chief which showcases a different unit or operation of the Department each month.

Prepares reports and correspondence; assigns, develops and evaluates staff; manages unit budget and work processes.

Performs related work as required.

Extensive knowledge of: public relations, communications, and public information dissemination techniques, and public speaking principles and practices.

Considerable knowledge of: news media organizations and methods of operation; modern management practices and procedures; modern office practices, procedures, and equipment; Business English, spelling, and grammar. 

Working knowledge of: regulations, rules, procedures, and laws pertinent to law enforcement agencies.

Ability to: write and speak clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings; blend people into teams when needed and to foster open dialogue and participation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials and employees, representatives of the media, business, civic, neighborhood and educational groups, and the general public, including those in conflict with the orderly processes of community life; plan, assign, direct, and coordinate the work of paraprofessional and clerical employees in a manner that promotes full performance; handle irritated or confused persons in a calm and guiding manner and secure essential information from them pertaining to their requests, problems or complaints; deal with public relations problems effectively, courteously, and tactfully.

Skill in: making presentations in a variety of settings.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, journalism, public relations, public or business administration, or related field and five (5) years of experience in public relations or mass communications, including six (6) months of experience in dealing with a law enforcement agency.