Every police department knows the importance of effective communication. Whether it's sharing emergency updates, engaging with the community, or correcting misinformation, public information officers (PIOs) and social media managers are the unsung heroes of modern law...
Authored Articles
Leveraging Social Media for Recruitment and Retention in Public Safety
In today's digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for organizations across various sectors, including police and fire departments. These platforms offer a unique opportunity to enhance recruitment and retention efforts, enabling departments to...
Reputation and Litigation: What Public Safety Administrators Need to Know
Social media platforms are now an integral part of modern-day communication. For public safety agencies, platforms such as Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram offer opportunities to provide real-time updates, engage with communities, and enhance transparency....
Basic Photography Tips for Not So Basic Photos
Photography that is captivating, engaging, and tells a story requires more than just pointing and shooting. Whether you're using a smartphone or a DSLR camera, understanding some basic tips can elevate your photography skills significantly, giving you...
Email Newsletters Are Making a Come Back; Here is Why and How Agencies Should Do Them
In an era where instant communication is paramount, public safety organizations and government agencies are increasingly turning to email newsletters as a key tool for outreach. These newsletters offer a direct line to the community, providing timely updates, safety...
The Benefits of Podcasting for Public Safety and Government Organizations
In an era where communication is evolving rapidly, podcasting emerges as a unique and effective way for public safety and government organizations - departments and associations alike, to connect with their community. The benefits of incorporating podcasts into...
Trust Before Transaction
As the bridge between frontline workers and the community, public safety unions play a critical role in advocating for the rights of police officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel. They must leverage social media, public relations, and robust...
Recruit and Retain — Strategies for Public Safety Agencies
In the field of public safety, attracting and keeping quality personnel has never been more challenging. Agencies across the country are struggling to fill vacancies, competing not only with other departments but also with shifting worker expectations. The days when a...
Chula Vista PD Wins #1 Recruitment Video of 2024
For the second time, a TOC Public Relations produced video earned a nomination from Police1 for one of the “top police recruitment videos.” The video, which has garnered nearly 70,000 views on YouTube alone, was crafted with a clear purpose: to showcase the...
Oops…They Did it Again
In today’s digital age, social media has become an essential tool for public safety departments. It helps in community engagement, recruitment, disseminating crucial information, and enhancing transparency. However, many public safety supervisors make common mistakes...
Beyond the Screen: Enhancing Public Safety Communication through Diverse Channels
In an age dominated by digital interactions, public safety agencies often turn to social media as a primary channel for communicating with the community. While platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram offer immediate outreach, a sole focus on these...
Reflecting on Crisis Communications in 2024: Lessons Learned
The year 2024 was marked by a series of high-profile crises that underscored the importance of effective communication in times of turmoil. This article has selected three incidents to evaluate their response effectiveness and methodologies. While many crises occurred...