06/10/2026
✨Now accepting applications ✨
ANDERSON COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
GENERAL SUMMARY
This is professional and technical work involving the development, coordination, and dissemination of information to the public, media, and community stakeholders as a representative of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office.
The Public Information Officer serves as a member of the Public Information Unit and works collaboratively with agency leadership, operational divisions, and other assigned personnel to support the Sheriff's Office communication objectives. This position requires exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively communicate complex law enforcement matters to diverse audiences.
As a member of the Public Information Unit, the Public Information Officer contributes to media relations, strategic communications, digital content development, public information dissemination, recruitment initiatives, and crisis communications. Responsibilities may be shared among assigned personnel within the unit, and the employee is expected to work collaboratively to achieve agency goals.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This job description is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this position. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Media Relations and Public Communications
• Collaborate with members of the Public Information Unit, agency leadership, and operational personnel to develop coordinated messaging and communication strategies.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews involving the Sheriff, Command Staff, and subject matter experts.
• Prepare, review, and distribute press releases, media advisories, public statements, and other official communications.
• Conduct on-camera, radio, print, and digital media interviews.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Assist the Sheriff, Command Staff, and incident commanders with the dissemination of critical and life-saving information to the public.
• Prepare agency representatives for media appearances and interviews.
Crisis Communications
• Develop and implement communication strategies during emergencies, critical incidents, investigations, and other high-profile events.
• Respond to crime scenes, disaster scenes, and other significant law enforcement incidents as needed.
• Provide timely, accurate, and professional public information while maintaining the integrity of investigations and sensitive operations.
• Exercise sound judgment and remain calm under stressful and rapidly evolving conditions.
• Coordinate messaging with internal and external stakeholders during crisis situations.
Community Engagement and Outreach
• Serve as a liaison between Sheriff's Office divisions, community organizations, government agencies, and the public.
• Support agency recruitment, retention, retirement recognition, and community education initiatives.
• Represent the Sheriff's Office at community events, public meetings, educational programs, and outreach activities.
• Foster positive relationships that promote public trust, transparency, and community engagement.
Digital Media and Content Development
• Design, create, and manage content for agency communication platforms, including websites, social media channels, newsletters, and other digital communications. Coordinate content development with members of the Public Information Unit to ensure consistency of messaging, branding, and public information objectives.
• Develop strategic communication campaigns supporting public safety education, recruitment, crime prevention, and community awareness.
• Create and maintain website content to support agency operations, recruitment, and public engagement.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment regarding agency activities and initiatives.
Multimedia Production
• Collaborate with members of the Public Information Unit and agency personnel in the planning, production, and distribution of multimedia content.
• Capture and edit video content for social media, website publication, public service announcements, recruitment campaigns, and media distribution.
• Create compelling visual storytelling content that effectively communicates the mission, values, and services of the Sheriff's Office.
• Coordinate multimedia coverage of agency events, ceremonies, training activities, and community outreach programs.
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Maintain readiness to respond to breaking news and critical incidents at any time.
• Serve in an on-call capacity as required due to the nature of public safety operations and the 24-hour news cycle.
• Travel throughout Anderson County as necessary.
• Work may be performed in office settings, field environments, crime scenes, disaster areas, and other operational locations.
• Position may involve exposure to physically confrontational situations, personal danger, hazardous environments, and biohazard materials.
• Maintain professional appearance and attire appropriate for media appearances and public representation of the Sheriff's Office.
COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE
Professional Knowledge
• Knowledge of law enforcement operations, public safety communications, and crisis response procedures.
• Knowledge of Anderson County Sheriff's Office patrol procedures, investigative protocols, and administrative policies.
• Understanding of media relations, public information principles, and strategic communication practices.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style and professional writing standards.
Communication Skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of the Public Information Unit and collaborate with personnel across multiple divisions and functions.
• Ability to coordinate communication projects and initiatives while maintaining consistent messaging and organizational objectives.
• Ability to write, edit, and proofread press releases, speeches, media statements, and other official communications.
• Ability to gather, verify, and accurately communicate information under stressful and time-sensitive conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with diverse audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, elected officials, community leaders, agency personnel, and the public.
• Strong verbal communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions.
Digital Media and Multimedia Skills
• Proficiency in managing communications through websites, social media platforms, and digital communication channels.
• Experience with photography, graphic design, video production, and multimedia content creation.
• Proficiency with or demonstrated ability to quickly learn video production, editing, captioning, and publishing software and technologies.
• Ability to create engaging visual content that supports public education, recruitment, transparency, and community outreach objectives.
• Familiarity with emerging communication technologies, social media trends, and audience engagement strategies.
Critical Thinking and Judgment
• Ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment in high-stress and rapidly evolving situations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to make timely decisions involving sensitive information and public communications.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect investigative integrity when communicating with the public and media.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Mass Communications, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Experience in public information, media relations, journalism, strategic communications, marketing, public safety communications, or law enforcement communications.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson or media liaison.
• Experience producing and editing video content for social media, websites, television, or digital communications platforms.
• Experience managing organizational social media accounts and website content.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Qualified interests may access application on line at Andersonsheriff.org or contact [email protected]
Official website of the Anderson County Sheriff's Office - Sheriff Chad McBride - Located in South Carolina
