Position: Public Information Officer
Department: Hattiesburg Police Department

Rate of Pay: $62,000 annually

Nature of Work:
Under administrative direction, the purpose of this position is to disseminate information to the general public, media, outside agencies, neighborhood associations and community agencies and organizations for Hattiesburg Police Department. Employees in this classification are responsible for researching, assembling, writing, editing, and producing informative materials concerning agency operations, programs, and events.

Job responsibilities also include a hands-on approach to community relations to include coordinating and conducting public outreach and crime prevention programs.

This administrative position will provide a positive connection between the Police Department and the Community using various methods that work in the best interest of the police department and the community.

This position will also assist the department with recruitment and retention strategies to support HPD’s role in protecting and serving the citizens of Hattiesburg.

Examples of Work:
• Functions as an official spokesperson – in consultation with the City’s Chief Communications Officer – for the agency in external communications with the media regarding operations, programs, and events as directed by supervisor.
• Responds to media, public, and outside agency inquiries and requests for information concerning HPD operations, programs, and events.
• Visits neighborhood association meetings to promote neighborhood-driven approaches to public safety
• Responds to media requests for interviews; arranges and coordinates news conferences; conducts inter-agency interviews in compiling information.
• Researches, assembles, edits, and presents news materials through written media and oral communications.
• Writes and edits copy for in-house news, public news releases, feature stories, pamphlets, scripts, and agency newsletters.
• Photographs and records special events and participants.
• Coordinates news coverage at incidents and other agency events.
• Other duties as designated by the Chief of the Hattiesburg Police Department, the Chief Communications Officer, the Chief Administrative Officer or the Mayor.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, Broadcast Media, or related field supplemented by responsible experience demonstrating broad knowledge of all aspects of development and production of print and broadcast materials, effective public speaking, social media, and regulatory standards governing the field, preferably within a public safety or similar public service environment; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi Driver’s License.