Job Summary And Essential Functions

The Public Information Officer serves as the official spokesperson for the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office and is responsible for managing all public communications, media relations, and community information initiatives. This position ensures timely, accurate, and transparent dissemination of information to the public while maintaining the integrity of investigations and the safety of personnel and the community.

Essential Job Functions

Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries involving the Sheriff’s Office.
Prepare, review, and disseminate press releases, media advisories, and public statements.
Coordinate press conferences, interviews, and media briefings.
Ensure messaging aligns with agency policy, legal standards, and public safety priorities.
Conduct pre-employment and background screening for new hires.
Responsible for recruitment initiatives.
Administer pre-employment testing.
Coordinate polygraph testing for pre-employment.
Communicate with the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy and other agencies, verbally and in writing, to determine candidates’ eligibility for employment.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Crisis & Emergency Communications

Manage communication during critical incidents, emergencies, and major investigations.
Coordinate messaging with county officials, emergency management, and partner agencies.
Monitor media coverage and public response during evolving situations.

Digital & Social Media Management

Manage and maintain the Sheriff’s Office’s official website and social media platforms.
Create written, visual, and video content to inform and educate the public.
Monitor public comments and trends to identify misinformation or emerging concerns.
Ensure compliance with public records, retention, and social media policies.

Internal Communications

Assist with internal messaging to personnel when needed.
Support recruitment campaigns, community outreach programs, and agency initiatives.
Provide communication support for special events, ceremonies, and public meetings.

Community Engagement

Act as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and the community.
Support public education efforts related to crime prevention, safety initiatives, and agency programs.
Build positive relationships with community organizations, civic leaders, and stakeholders.

Administrative & Compliance Duties

Maintain communication records and documentation in compliance with South Carolina public records laws.
Ensure all communications adhere to legal, ethical, and professional standards.
Advise command staff on public perception and communication strategy.

Minimum Requirements To Perform Work

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Criminal Justice, or a related field (or equivalent experience);
Prior experience in public information, communications, journalism, or media relations required;
Must have and maintain a valid South Carolina driver’s license with a safe driving record;

Special Requirements:

Experience working in or with a law enforcement or public safety agency;
Training or certification as a Public Information Officer (PIO) through FEMA, SC Law Enforcement Division (SLED), or similar organizations;
Experience in crisis communication and emergency management environments;
Departmental testing will be administered during interview;
Works on an on-call 24-hour basis for emergency incidents or breaking news;
This is a safety sensitive position and is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
This position is considered emergency essential and will be required to report to work during any declared emergency situation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of law enforcement operations and terminology (or ability to learn quickly).
Ability to communicate clearly under pressure and during critical incidents.
Familiarity with South Carolina public information and FOIA laws.
Proficiency with social media platforms, content management systems, and basic graphic/video tools.
Professional judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
Ability to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call status.

Physical Demands

This position requires the employee to sit and use hands to handle, feel, finger, grasp or operate objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; use mental acuity and repetitive motion; and walk, talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Conditions

The work is regularly performed in a dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Thirty-Seven and a half (37.5) hours per week. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday 9:00am until 5:00pm with the ability to work flexible hours when necessary. Scheduled hours/days, job location, duties and any other information contained herein is subject to change. May be required to work extra hours and to perform extra or different duties during emergency situations.

Berkeley County offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package to its employees, including:

Health, Life, and Dental Insurance
Optional Life and Disability Insurance
Optional Medical and Dependent Care Spending Accounts
Personal Leave
Twelve (12) Paid Holidays
South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) State Retirement Plan
Police Officers Retirement System (PORS - as applicable)
Optional Deferred Compensation Program (i.e. 401K, 457)
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Wellness Program

01

Do you have a valid Bachelor's degree in a related field?

02

Do you have at least two (2) years of related experience?

03

Do you have a valid certification/license in South Carolina for this position?

04

Do you have a valid driver's license?

Yes
No
Required Question

Berkeley County (SC) Government

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