I'm writing this so that they people in law enforcement on this forum may be able to help me...
I'm currently a full time student and I'm graduating next spring, I was planning on going into a PD as an officer cadet, due to internship opportunities and other factors I've decided to look into possibly melding the two into a career.
My question is what are my options in agencies such as FBI, DEA or even local PD/Sheriff orgs in a public relations field?
If anyone could help me with info I'd really appreciate it.
Several years ago I had this same quandary. My background from college, internships and earlier employment was all in PR and Marketing.
When I found my first full time law enforcement position, it was my goal to get into the department's Community Relations Division. The problem is that that is usually one of the most desired positions in an agency. As soon as I was hired I began volunteering to help out the division and made sure the Sheriff knew of my interest. My co-workers always said "No one leaves that division until they die."
Well, I made sure that I graduated top of my academy class, and shortly afterwards (luckily) there was a board for a position in the division. I nailed the board, and got the position. Oddly, I had only been in the agency for a year at that time. Many Officers in a similar position wait an entire career for such a post.
Since 2001, FEMA and the federal government have put a major emphasis on the Public Information Officer position, with its role in the Incident Command System. This is a better time than ever to try to get into such a field. Best of luck!
Many larger departments have dedicated Public Information Officers. Their sole purpose is to write press releases about major crimes, arrests, etc. and to be the spokesperson for the department during press conferences. You may want to check into that if there is a department near you with such a position.
