Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

Under the direct supervision of a Turlock Police Lieutenant, the Public Affairs Analyst performs administrative functions in the development and administration of community relations and public information programs in response to public safety issues; to provide strategic public affairs direction and to serve as a public relations resource; and to promote and create awareness of the operations and objectives of public safety through public outreach, education programs, and marketing strategies with the use of a variety of media methods. Additionally, this employee will support the Professional Standards Unit by processing permits as directed by the supervising Lieutenant, serving as a representative for special events occurring in the city, coordinating compliance and communication with necessary regulatory agencies including but not limited to Alcohol Beverage Control and the Department of Cannabis Control. Assist the Professional Standards Sergeant with ensuring department training and training compliance. Assisting in developing / modifying department policy. Assist with Internal Affairs Investigations in a support role as deemed appropriate by the Supervising Lieutenant.

This position is designated as Confidential for Labor Relations purposes and is subject to overtime assignments evening and weekend assignments.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Supervision is provided by designated Lieutenant or other designee at the direction of the Chief of Police.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Public Affairs Analyst responsibilities include handling most assignments and issues with considerable independence under general management direction. There are regular contacts with elected and appointed officials, the various media, staff, citizens and a variety of other customers. These contacts require tact, discretion and persuasion. Demonstrates professional and technical competence while working as a team member and exercises independent judgment in a number of confidential and sensitive areas. Duties and responsibilities are performed in accordance with municipal codes, ordinances, City policy, and related regulating entities.

This position shall not investigate in any manner, sworn or non-sworn personnel for any purpose or reason.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluate and administer public information and media communications regarding public safety issues.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information from the media, government agencies, City staff, and members of the public.
• Develop, write, edit, design, and produce various communication materials including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, press releases, articles, multi-media presentations, correspondence, reports, speeches, and special publications.
• Participate in the preparation, publication, and distribution of internal and external newsletters, public service announcements, annual reports, and other communications.
• Research, compile, and prepare reports, and documentation on program activities; evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of communications programs and implement changes, as needed; maintain records of program findings and corrective actions; prepare periodic status reports.
• Confer with divisions and units on initiatives, programs, and projects; provide guidance and direction regarding strategic communication planning and implementation.
• Coordinate major press events, media management, and public outreach for public safety events and issues.
• Create pro-active relationships with members of the local media and serve as the staff’s contact person with the media.
• Provide direction and counsel on emerging and urgent communications issues; recommend responses; assist with media and public relations issues.
• May serve as the City’s Public Information Officer during citywide emergencies to develop and direct emergency information to the media, City employees, and the general public.
• Recommend vendors; recommend design, color, graphics, and appropriate media in accordance with budget.
• Plan and coordinate video presentation projects using script-writing techniques; plan, manage, and develop content for the production of video, audio, and commercial artwork for a variety of print, online, and multimedia publications, and work products.
• Maintain the content of the Police Department’s website ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality by coordinating the resources of various departments.
• Represent the City at public meetings or community events, as required.
• Represent the communications function to committees, outside organization, and staff subcommittees, as necessary; coordinate department communications activities with outside agencies and other City divisions and departments.
• Ensure sensitive and controversial matters are managed in a discreet and professional manner.
• Ensure the Department’s website and social media pages are current and relevant, and that Department accomplishments are highlighted and reported to appropriate media sources.
• Attend Police Department functions and activities for media content. Ride along with Patrol.
• Develop and enhance branding of Police Department.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Train others in media relations.
• Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.
• Process applicable permits.
• Serving as a Police representative for special events occurring in the city.
• Assist with ensuring department training and training compliance to include preparing annual training plan, tracking / processing school requests as well as coordinating in service training days.
• Assisting with department policy adherence and issuance.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Police policies and procedures; California Government Code sections applicable to public safety officers’ procedural bill of rights.
• Principles and practices of public relations, media, marketing, and advertising.
• Public information and community relations program development and implementation.
• Effective methods for preparing and presenting facts and information to the public and the media, including formatting of materials for publications and news releases.
• Writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences
• Research and problem-solving techniques.
• Multiple social media platforms.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to understand police principles relating to policy and training requirements

Ability to:

• Perform professional public information duties to promote and market safety services and programs.
• Exercise independent judgment in identifying and responding to request for information from the media and public.
• Effectively function under multiple deadlines.
• Interpret, explain, and apply City and department polices, procedures, rules, and regulations.
• Present complex information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Write, edit, design, and photograph.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contracted in the course of work.
• Communication effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Public speaking.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting work processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED; and within 36 months of appointment: possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business/public administration, criminal justice , or related field.

Experience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience involving the development and execution of broadcast journalism, public information; marketing programs, press releases development, and/or social media outreach; OR four years of any work experience in a Law Enforcement agency comparable to the City of Turlock, as it relates issuing permits, clerical support, and coordinating training.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License in the category necessary to perform essential duties of the position will be required at the time of appointment. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license and proof of automobile liability insurance thereafter is a condition of continued employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain the required physical abilities: See well enough to drive a vehicle; hear and speak well enough to converse on the telephone and in person; communicate clearly without amplification; bodily mobility to move rapidly from one area to another sometimes over rough terrain; climb stairs or ladders; use of hands and fingers to write; operate a computer keyboard and handle plans and documents; stamina to work long hours and attend night meetings.