Having a Connection with Law Enforcement is Essential for Public Information Officers

3 Reasons Every Public Information Officer Should Have a Law Enforcement Connect

GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS

Thomas Y. Lynch

5/13/20242 min read

Happy Law Enforcement Week! Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working alongside several Law Enforcement Agencies, the Pitt County Sheriff's Office, the San Bernardino County Probation Department, and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. As a government communicator, it is crucial to establish and maintain a strong connection with the local law enforcement (LE) agency. This partnership is essential for effective communication and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Here are three reasons why every Public Information Officer should prioritize a robust connection with their local law enforcement agency:

1. When a Crisis Occurs, You Have Boots on the Ground

Many times I hear Public Information Officers (PIOs) say, "I am always the last to know," Well do you know who is always the first to know? Law Enforcement! Police are usually the first to respond to a crisis, such as natural disasters, accidents, or criminal incidents, having a strong connection with law enforcement provides invaluable support. LE agencies are often the first responders on the scene, and their immediate presence can help mitigate the situation and provide critical information to the public. By establishing a close working relationship with a law enforcement official, PIOs can collaborate seamlessly during emergencies. This allows for the swift communication of accurate and up-to-date information to the public.

2. Officers are Well-Connected and Interact with Your Community Every Day

Situational awareness is a skill that all Law Enforcement personnel practice. Although I'm stretching its definition to make a point, basically it means they are in tune with their surroundings. Officers are the backbone of community policing. They interact with citizens daily, gaining valuable insights into the community's concerns, needs, and issues. Public information officers can leverage this connection to gather firsthand information and better understand the community's pulse. By maintaining a robust connection with law enforcement, public information officers can tap into this wealth of knowledge and effectively tailor their communication strategies. This collaboration allows for the dispersal of relevant and targeted information that addresses specific concerns of the community. This dynamic fosters trust and engagement between government organizations and their citizens.

3. Law Enforcement Has Community Safety Information

Ensuring the safety of citizens is a top priority for both government agencies and law enforcement. However, law enforcement agencies often face challenges in reaching a wide audience and spreading their safety messages effectively. This is where Public Information Officers play a crucial role. Police are busy, and as a PIO you have the infrastructure dedicated to Information dissemination. By establishing a robust connection with law enforcement, public information officers can assist in amplifying the agency's safety messages. Through various communication channels such as press releases, social media, and community outreach programs, public information officers can help disseminate important safety information, tips, and updates to a broader audience.

Ultimately, this collaboration enhances public safety by empowering citizens with the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves and their communities. As a PIO Law Enforcement is a valuable resource that should not be underutilized. I've included 2 online resources below that give more information about the subject matter.