POLICE ADMINISTRATION

Public Affairs

THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
The ‘Public Relations Directorate’ has changed its name to ‘Public Affairs Directorate’ to be in line with current trends in public communication.

This is because research has shown that many modern organisations including the Police use the name public affairs to distinguish the department from “public relations” which is a subject of study in communication schools.

FUNCTIONS OF THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
The Public Affairs Directorate is responsible for developing, implementing, promoting and maintaining a sustained positive police image through a public communication programme. The Directorate thus works:

1. To counsel management on the possible implications of policies and certain police actions on the public.
2. To manage all public communication activities for the Police Service.
3. To monitor public opinion of both internal and external publics of the Service.
4. To produce and disseminate information materials on the Police to the public.
5. To support all other units of the service in their public communication activities,
6. To initiate educational programmes to engender public understanding and support for crime prevention and reduction activities.
7. To provide expertise for media related activities for the Service.
8. Perform any other functions as the Inspector-General of Police will determine.
   
   STRUCTURE OF THE POLICE PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTORATE
   
   NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
   DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
   
   DEPUTY DIRECTOR
   
   ADMINISTRATOR
   
   SENIOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
   
   PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICERS
   
   SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER
   
   PHOTOGRAPHERS
   
   SECRETARIAL STAFF

1. To represent the Directorate at the HEMAB.
2. To assist in executing public communication programmes for the Service.
3. To liaise with commanders in coordinating public communication activities for the service.
4. To determine appropriate training programmes for the Public Affairs Staff.
5. To plan and execute public communication and media activities for the service.
6. To be responsible for the day-to-day functioning of the Directorate and coordinate activities of regional public affairs units.
7. To serve as the media contact person on police matters.
8. To perform other functions as the IGP or HEMAB may determine.
   
   

FUNCTIONS OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR

1. To assist the Director in managing the Public Affairs Directorate.
2. To assist in executing public communication programmes for the service.
3. To supervise events management, writing of speeches, etc at the directorate.
4. To supervise other staff at the Public Affairs Directorate.
5. To monitor media reports and public complaints about the Police for the information of the Director.