Crisis Comms

As the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Madison Police Department, I played a critical role in coordinating crisis communications, public messaging, and internal updates during one of the most challenging times in modern public safety.

In early 2020, MPD’s Emergency Management section formed a COVID-19 Task Force to ensure officer safety, manage operational changes, and communicate critical updates. Stepping into the evolving role of Task Force PIO, I was responsible for media relations, press releases, internal communications, and digital resources—all while continuing my other duties as Crime Prevention, Crime Stoppers, and Social Media Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities & Impact
🔹 Media & Public Messaging

- Drafted multiple press releases updating the public on MPD’s pandemic-related service changes
- Managed news media inquiries and interviews, ensuring clear, transparent communication
- Translated public health messaging into community-friendly, multilingual updates

🔹 Internal Communications & Resource Development

- Created an MPD COVID-19 Resource Page on Microsoft SharePoint, centralizing critical information for sworn and civilian staff
- Designed how-to videos on PPE use, decontamination procedures, and safety protocols for officers
- Provided daily COVID-19 news briefings to MPD leadership, summarizing local and national developments

🔹 Emergency Operations Coordination

- Worked closely with the City of Madison Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and local agencies to ensure consistent messaging
- Partnered with Public Health Madison & Dane County, the Mayor’s Office, and other city leaders on public information strategies
- Helped shape MPD’s pandemic response while navigating civil unrest and public safety challenges

💡 Results & Lasting Impact

- Built strong interagency relationships with public health and government officials
- Created an internal communications system that streamlined MPD’s COVID-19 response
- Ensured that MPD’s pandemic-related service updates were accessible, timely, and widely disseminated

🔹 Project Type: Crisis Communication & Emergency Response
🔹 Role: Task Force Public Information Officer (PIO)
🔹 Key Focus Areas: Crisis Messaging, Internal Communications, Media Relations