| Public Information Officer | |
| The main function of the Public Information Officer is to provide the public with timely and accurate information pertaining to curtain events through various media agencies.
This is accomplished through printed press releases sent primarily by e-mail or fax in an official format, but can be done by telephone, or in-person as necessary.
The Public Information Officer normally makes releases of information to the media dealing with activity occurring within or affecting the Sheriff’s Office. This covers basically most of the events involving throughout the entire county. This activity can occur in the form of announcements by the Sheriff to the public concerning programs, operations or enforcement efforts in which the Sheriff’s Office may be involved. Much of what is released during the year deals directly with safety issues. Some examples would include beach safety and ordinance enforcement, the dangers of driving under the influence, and safety measures for children at Halloween. In addition to safety issues, the Public Information Officer makes releases pertaining to criminal investigations, death investigations, accident investigations and other traffic-related matters. In releases concerning criminal or death investigations, the Public Information Officer is especially cognizant of the extremely sensitive nature of the investigation. The inappropriate or premature release of information of any kind could put the investigation or someone's life in jeopardy. The Public Information Officer works in closely with other members of the Sheriff’s Office in every organizational component to ensure accuracy and timeliness in the appropriate release of information to the media while being considerate of the security needs of the Sheriff’s Office. Once all information has been gathered, verified and composed into a standardized press release format, the release is presented by the Sheriff or a designated representative for authorization of release prior to being given to the media. | |
| Please feel free to contact the Public Information Officer should you have any questions. If you are a member of the press and would like to be added to our contact list, please click here. NOTE: No more than three (3) people from each particular news agency will be added to the list. It is your responsibility to decide who those individuals will be. | |
| Lieutenant Bryan Maule, Jr. Office 850-892-8186 Fax 850-892-8195 Email pio-wcso@waltonso.org | |