Title:  Lieutenant - Public Information Officer

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Lieutenant - Public Information Officer (Sworn), under general direction of the Undersheriff, oversees the day-to-day operations and implementation of marketing, media relations, and internal and external communication programs carried out by the Public Information Unit for the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. This position works closely with Sheriff’s Office Command Staff to determine appropriate communications strategies for communication with employees and the public.  This position will be designated as a Lieutenant position. 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Public Information Officer Functions: 

• In consultation with the Sheriff, develops and implements the Sheriff’s Office public affairs community and media relations, policies, programs, and strategies; creates or updates communication, crisis communication, and strategic plans to include social media. Sets and oversees annual goals and objectives for the Public Information Unit, in furtherance of the Sheriff’s Office mission. 
• Oversees the civilian PIO and Public Affairs Liaison to include, but not limited to, conducting performance appraisals, approving time, and counseling/coaching subordinates. 
• Oversees content production for all Sheriff’s Office information distribution channels, which include the website, intranet, social media platforms, annual report, newsletters, articles, brochures, and marketing collateral.
• Serves as the Sheriff’s Office spokesperson for law enforcement events and routine public safety matters. Responds to incidents involving media presence and remains until released by the Incident Commander. Collaborates with emergency personnel to gather and verify releasable information, and coordinates communications during multi-agency responses.
• Maintains proactive communication on media, public relations, and crisis issues. Drafts and distributes news releases, responds to media inquiries, and pitches story ideas on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office. Represents the Sheriff’s Office at public meetings and maintains strong relationships with local media.
• Manages the brand identity of the Sheriff’s Office, which includes the development and maintenance of branding guides, and adjustments to Sheriff’s Office logo, as necessary, for marketing collateral and other needs.
• Develops and coordinates external messaging for staff when they are providing information to the public forums such as community meetings, events, and other contexts.
• Serves as the Sheriff’s Office liaison to city and county emergency planning agencies. Works with the Office of Emergency Management to develop and improve employee preparedness and communication for emergency situations. Staffs the media communication center and/or works as the field PIO liaison in the event of a major disaster. Prepares and updates notebook of media relations procedures to follow in emergency situations.
• Responds to inquiries from the public and other correspondence. Works with records personnel and the County Attorney’s Office to facilitate public records requests and help ensure that related laws are followed.
• Maintains proofs for the Accreditation Unit.

Lieutenant Functions (not all inclusive):

• Coordinate and direct the activities of a Section/Unit within the Agency, assign work activities and projects; monitor workflow, review and evaluate work, methods and procedures.   
• Develop work schedules and assignments for the Section including requests for time off, training requests, on call schedules, and ensures appropriate staff is maintained. 
• Conduct performance reviews and oversee and hold subordinate personnel responsible for objective performance reviews. 
• Counsel subordinates to define problem areas and develop avenues for improvement.
• Identify and provide training needs of employees as resources permit. 
• May investigate and/or respond to citizen/inmate complaints and take action where necessary.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, per the full Lieutenant job description, which can be obtained by contacting Sheriff’s Office Human Resources. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Must possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities associated with Deputy/Sergeant/Lieutenant level that typically exist within County Sheriff Offices.    
• Working knowledge of Colorado Open Records Act and Colorado Criminal Justice Records Act.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain websites and social media sites.
• Knowledge of law enforcement public relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including demonstrated ability to write media releases and respond appropriately to media questions both on and off camera. 
• Ability to respond to requests for information in a timely manner and to use discretion with confidential information. 
• Ability to work independently and set priorities.
• Strong written communication skills which include, English usage, composition, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Excellent computer skills, to include software such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Office and a basic level working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite products, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and Premiere Pro.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.
• Thorough knowledge of the geographical aspects of the County.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related field as approved by the Sheriff.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years’ experience at the rank of Sergeant or above.  Must have a background/experience in communications.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience, as approved by the Sheriff.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES: Must be POST certified in the state of Colorado or able to obtain a provisional POST certification in Colorado before being hired and must become POST certified within the required time limits as established by Colorado POST.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• Previous PIO experience, preferably in a law enforcement agency.
• Patrol experience as a POST certified peace officer.

• Intermediate experience in Adobe Suite.

• Experience with web development. 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to successfully complete the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command and/or FBI National Academy or similar law enforcement command level school.
• Must possess current CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Must possess a valid Colorado Driver's License.  Driving is required for this position. 
• Work locations and facilities are subject to change based on business need.
• Ability to attend night and weekend events, as needed. 
• Ability to be on call and subject to call to duty in emergencies and may be required to work with little or no notice, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Acceptable background information, including no history of criminal activity, and the ability to maintain background acceptability. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position. They are included for informational purposes and are not all-inclusive.

Occasionally: Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.

Frequently: Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

Constantly: Activity exist more than 2/3 of the time.

• Spends 60% of the time sitting and 40% of the time either standing, walking, or running while in the field or office.
• Must possess sufficient strength to carry a human being from a hazardous area (average - 150 lbs.).
• Frequently pushes, pulls, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, reaches, handles and feels while in the field and office.
• Must possess sufficient physical capability to overcome and restrain a combative or resistive subject.
• Oral and auditory capacity enabling interpersonal communication as well as communication through automated devices such as the two-way radio, intercom system and telephone; and in public meetings and personal interactions.
• Auditory capacity enabling the detection of sounds related to criminal or suspicious activity.
• Visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the use of a firearm, office and field equipment.
• Visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the safe operation of an emergency vehicle during normal, emergency, pursuit and hazardous weather situations.
• Visual capacity including color vision in order to distinguish color/descriptions of vehicles, suspects, victims and other relevant objects.
• Olfactory sensory capabilities to detect criminal/hazardous situations.
• Visual capacity enabling constant use of computers or other work-related equipment.

JOB-RELATED CONTACTS:

Contacts are with individuals within the Sheriff’s Office, with other Departments/Organizations, and the general public.  Specifically, extensive contact occurs with superiors, subordinates, suspects, witnesses, other Law Enforcement agencies, the media, and the general public and especially the judge’s staff and courthouse administration.  Potential contact may occur with any individual of the public or arrestee.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is generally performed in circumstances involving hazards such as crimes, accidents, fires, and disturbances which may be threatening to life or cause bodily harm.  Work environment becomes extremely stressful during peak activity periods demanding full attention and coordination of numerous tasks simultaneously.  Contact with blood, body fluids or other medical hazards are uncommon and the member should have adequate time to take precautionary and protective measures. May be assigned to work schedules requiring work on nights, weekends and holidays.  At times, this position will have to work with the media while outside in inclement weather.  May perform work in an office environment as PIO duties require.

BIO-HAZARD NOTICE:

This position has been determined to be a MODERATE exposure risk to "biohazards" including, but not limited to, viruses, toxins, and blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), HBV (hepatitis B virus), and air-borne transmissions of TB (tuberculosis).   Members are advised that exposure to a "biohazard" may result in severe illness and/or death.  Members are required by agency policy to use protective equipment and clothing.  Inoculation may be required to prevent and/or treat exposures to "biohazards".