Public Information Officer

The Public Information Officer (PIO) is the primary contact for the news media. The PIO prepares news releases and coordinates print and broadcast coverage of agency events. The PIO also acts as the liaison with the media at crime scenes and other activities that generate media interest. The PIO also handles public records requests by credentialed members of the media.

The PIO's mission is to effectively provide a link between the Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves.

Inquiries

Routine media inquiries are handled as expeditiously as possible during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The PIO is always on-call for emergencies and for significant breaking news events. Once the PIO determines that a situation is newsworthy, the information is disseminated to all news media.

The PIO will generally not have information regarding routine events (i.e.: non-fatal car crashes, routine arrests, crimes not resulting in death or critical injury, etc.).

In the event of a major crisis or event, the PIO, at the direction of the Sheriff, will coordinate news conferences and disseminate news to the public on a timely basis. The Public Information Officer is also responsible for social media outlets, such as the Sheriff’s Office website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Contact

Public Information Officer
330 S. Salisbury Street
Raleigh, N.C. 27602
Email: wcso.pio@wake.gov