Law enforcement leaders and aspiring leaders often overlook the critical role public information plays in maintaining safety and support in their communities. In this course, instructors who are seasoned public information officers - both sworn and non-sworn - will help participants understand everything from legal liability, to what's newsworthy, to what drives social media engagement. Students will participate in hands-on scenarios and will be able to walk away prepared to effectively provide public information in a variety of incidents, as well as how to use traditional and social media to build trust with the people you serve.

• Identify legal liability and investigative issues in relation to public information.  
• Write and distribute a news release. 
• Conduct an effective news conference and/or media briefing for a variety of incidents. 
• Identify public record laws in relation to criminal records and public documents. 
• Create engaging website and social media content for their agency.
• Identify and address misinformation on social media. 
• Demonstrate an effective response to First Amendment "auditors."      
• Provide public information in a critical incident through a variety of communication channels.

Agenda: