Assistant Public Safety Information Coordinator

The employee in this class serves as assistant public information coordinator and spokesperson for the Police Department. Work is performed under general supervision and involves tasks of more than average difficulty in completing assigned public relations activities. Due to the nature of police work, the employee must exercise reasonable 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 make certain that the accuracy of all statements is ensured before being released and, when serving 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.

Participates in 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.

Participates in departmental public relations efforts for the purpose of promoting trust, cooperation, and understanding; assists in coordinating and facilitating the dissemination of information to the media and the general public; prepares news releases and, when assigned, schedules and organizes press conferences.

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

Compiles information, writes, edits, and publishes a departmental newsletter; participates in coordinating a departmental speakers bureau for schools, civic and neighborhood associations and other groups to inform the public regarding police administration, services, problems, accomplishments, and programs; responds to public inquiries regarding police programs and activities; assists in layout, editing, and publication of the departmental annual report.

Performs related work as required.

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

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

Some 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; 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; 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 high school or vocational school with some college coursework in mass communications, journalism, public relations, public or business administration, or related field and one (1) year experience in public relations or mass communications, including six (6) months experience in dealing with a law enforcement agency.

Possession of a valid State of Florida driver’s license.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency

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