Police Public Information Officer

Salary : $85,009.60 Annually
Location : Lynchburg, VA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 03641
Department: Police
Division: Police Administration
Opening Date: 07/22/2026
Closing Date: 8/1/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Description


Collaborates with Department officials in developing written communications for use internally and externally and visual materials designed to serve the public relations and communication needs of the department; develops and implements positive public relations and social media communications and materials; and performs other duties as assigned. Responsible for internal Command Staff messaging to Department employees. Additionally, supervises team including the Assistant Police Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist.


The ideal candidate will have a track record of success in fast paced environments and will demonstrate the ability to understand police related policies and procedures and data and synthesize it into easy to understand, relevant information for public consumption through a variety of media sources. The candidate must be able to pivot quickly between strategic planning and incident management and have an ability to work autonomously while quickly establishing collaborative working relationships across all disciplines.


Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, broadcasting, or related field and five or more years of related experience and/or training in public relations, communications, public administration, journalism, editorial work, or marketing. Must have demonstrated strong experience in writing, public speaking, website management, audio/video production methods, and community outreach.

Must meet the requirements to access law enforcement systems.

Essential Duties


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Defines, writes, and edits timely, relevant and effective communication to an array of stakeholders for a variety of channels including, but not limited to web copy, newsletter and magazine articles, speeches, news releases, official positions, message points, video scripts and correspondence.
• Establishes strategies to build community relationships by ensuring the open exchange of accurate information through community input and partnerships.
• Organizes the development and implementation of methods for communicating information to the public through various forms to include but not limited to news releases, email, use of videos, internet, social media, brochures, presentations, crime maps, media outlets, public broadcasting, or other mediums.
• Maintains positive contacts with the media, enhancing the image of the Department while providing the public with information that is complete, accurately verified, and up to date.
• Responds to media inquiries on routine, emergency, sensitive, and controversial matters.
• Develops pre-emptive crisis planning templates and leads all crisis communications.
• Drives comprehensive content development, including informational campaigns on department issues and initiatives, press releases, or similar communications.
• Arranges for and assists at news conferences, reviews information for release by Department personnel.
• Maintains a thorough working knowledge of positive public relations processes and best practices.
• Uses state-of-the-art photographic and videography equipment to shoot a wide variety of subjects in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Advises Chief of Police on matters related to communications and public relations, including sensitive, high-profile matters.
• Serves as a resource for, and assists Police Department employees with, media inquiries.
• Monitors news coverage of Lynchburg Police Department and City activities, programs, policies, and actions.
• Effectively leverages resources to achieve organizational priorities and influence outcomes.
• Maintains a thorough working knowledge of desktop publishing software and of design principles and publication standards
• Prepares various types of materials for effective use in multiple types of media, publications and other relevant platforms, including the use of excellent graphic design skills.
• Utilizes advanced computer skills knowledge with the ability to design and maintain websites and uses graphic design and video editing software applications to edit videos and develop graphic designs and media layouts for multimedia publications and social media platforms.
• Understands and follows complex instructions, policies, and data with ease.
• Oversees the Department's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.
• Leads outreach activities and marketing/advertising campaigns to engage diverse communities.
• Supervises the work of others and manages multiple needs from stakeholders that require constant attention and prioritization.
• Facilitates the periodic review and assessment of LPD branding, including images and logos, slogans, public-facing design elements, internet presence, etc.
• Suggests improvements in Department practices relevant to police-community interaction.
• Surveys residents and businesses to obtain and evaluate information regarding department activities.
• Oversees workflows and work assignments to ensure effective collaboration and consistent quality.
• Films and edits internal and external videos for communication of key messaging.
• Creates strategies for innovative solutions that best fit the organization.
• Collaborates with Personnel and Recruiting Unit on marketing needs to reach the best potential candidates to serve the City.
• Remains abreast of upcoming legislation affecting the Department and develops potential informational materials.
• Manages Department website.
• Leads event planning Department-wide.
• Serves as a member of the Department's Command Staff.
• Facilitates command-level meetings and assists with development of Department strategic plans and processes.
• Conducts media relations training for Department staff.
• Maintains the Department's calendar of community group events and interaction activities.
• Creates educational brochures and flyers to inform the community about issues such as crime prevention and various services offered by the Department.
• Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Research new topics and legislation in crime prevention and public records dissemination.
• Collaborates with City departments in planning for major events and festivals.
• Assists with design and preparation of the Department's annual report.
• Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervises team including the Assistant Police Public Information Officer and Crime Prevention Specialist.

Minimum Education and Experience Required


QUALIFICATIONS:


To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:


Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, broadcasting, or related field and five or more years of related experience and/or training in public relations, communications, public administration, journalism, editorial work, or marketing. Must have demonstrated strong experience in writing, public speaking, website management, audio/video production methods and, community outreach.

Additional Requirements

• Subject to call out at night and on weekends; must have ability to respond at all hours to important events to coordinate social and traditional media relations.
• Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state, and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry check, credit check, and polygraph examination.
• This position requires eligibility for access to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who is eligible for naturalization.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to
• Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the City's goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);
    the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit
  • Life insurance at no cost to the employee
  • Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.
  • Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance
  • Paid Time Off
• Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans

Additional information about City benefits can be found on our and in the
01


I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate to my knowledge. I understand that any intentional omission of information and dishonesty will eliminate me from further consideration of employment with the Lynchburg Police Department.
02


Please provide the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification purposes.
03


Do you currently have any bills in collections (exclude debt protected in bankruptcies)? If you do please explain in detail your plan to have these bills paid in full.
04


Have you ever been convicted of a domestic assault and/or battery offense?

• Yes
• No

05


Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor? Please explain and provide the year this occurred.
06


Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Please explain and provide the year this occurred.
07


Are you now, or have you ever been a member of a criminal street gang, or group that furthers or promotes criminal activity? If yes, please explain.
08


Have you ever purchased, manufactured, stored, sold, acted as a lookout, delivered, smuggled, sent through the mail, transported another person to illegally buy or sell drugs, or unlawfully benefitted in any way from the sale of prescription or illegal drugs? If yes, please explain including dates.
09


Have you used marijuana in the past 2 years? If so, when was the month and year of the last usage?
10


Have you ever unlawfully used any of the following: PCP, Heroin, Cocaine/Crack, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, LSD, Psilocybin (mushrooms), or Rohypnol/Other Date Rape Drugs?

• Yes
• No

11


Have you ever had your drivers license suspended, revoked or refused? Please explain.
12


Have you been charged with or convicted of a DUI related offense within the last 3 years?

• Yes
• No

13


Have you had a valid driver's license continuously for at least 3 years?

• Yes
• No

14


This position requires a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record history. I certify that I have read the DMV Record Release Notice, and give the City of Lynchburg permission to obtain my Virginia Driving Record.

• Yes
• No
• I do not currently possess a Virginia Driver's License

15


If you answered in the above question that you currently possess a Virginia Driver's License, please provide your License Number.
16


(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out-of-state driving record.You can email this information to View email address on click.appcast.io, fax to View phone number on click.appcast.io, or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

• Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
• Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
• Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Driver's License during the past 3 years.

17


If you answered yes to the above question, please provide the name of the State where your license was issued:
18


Have you previously applied with the City of Lynchburg Police Department? If yes when, and for what position?
19


You will be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts, birth certificate, DD 214 (if applicable) and DCJS Certification (if applicable). Please have these documents readily available to expedite the hiring process. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

20


Have you served in the armed forces?

• Yes
• No

21


If you have served in the Armed Forces and have been discharged, was it dishonorable or for bad conduct? If so please explain in detail.
22


Have you ever been under a protective order by the court? If yes, please explain.
23


Do you have any visible tattoos on your arms, neck, hands and/or face? If yes, please give location(s) and describe the tattoo(s). (You will be required to provide a photo of these at a later date in the hiring process.)
24


Have you ever been disciplined or punished for any violation related to lying, cheating, stealing, or something else that would bring your integrity into question? If yes, please explain.
25


Have you ever been disciplined, suspended, terminated, asked to resign, or received punitive actions at a current or former place of employment? If yes, please explain.
26


Primary communication during the hiring process is done through the email address View email address on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Please check your spam/junk folders on a regular basis in addition to your inbox for communication from the Recruiting office. Do you agree to check your email?

• Yes
• No

27


This job requires you to pass a drug and alcohol screen and a thorough background examination, which may include a polygraph and credit investigation. Are you willing to participate in these examinations?

• Yes
• No

28


This position requires eligibility for access to the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN). Are you a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who is eligible for naturalization?

• Yes
• No

Required Question