Primary contact for news media after normal hours?

• A. On-Call Patrol Supervisor
• B. Shift Commander
• C. Public Information Officer
• D. City Communications Director

Answer: (B)

After-hours media contact is handled by the on-duty shift commander because this supervisor is the on-scene authority who oversees ongoing incidents and coordinates how information is released. The shift commander can verify facts, make rapid decisions about what can be shared, and immediately connect with the Public Information Officer to issue official statements. This arrangement ensures the information the media receives is accurate, timely, and coordinated.

An on-call patrol supervisor handles field operations but isn’t the single agency spokesperson for all incidents after hours. The Public Information Officer is the designated spokesperson, but may not be immediately available after hours, requiring the shift commander to step in to triage inquiries and arrange official releases. The City Communications Director is outside the Sheriff’s Office and not the primary contact for Sheriff's Office incidents.