City of Oakland California

What Does the Media Relations Officer Do?

The Media Relations Officer serves as a liaison to all major media outlets, assisting members of the media gather information to report on news events that impact residents and visitors to the City of Oakland. This job includes

• Coordinating Department press conferences.
• Facilitating media interview access to Department employees.
• Assisting members of the media who need entry to the Police Administration Building, Eastmont Substation, or other police facilities.
• Providing information about how to obtain media passes.
• Maintaining an archive of recent Department press releases.
• Coordinating meetings between the media and the Chief of Police so that any problems can be discussed in the spirit of mutual cooperation.
• Staffing the Media Relations Officer position at the City’s Emergency Operation Center during critical incidents or major response operations. 

When Is the Media Relations Officer Available?  

There is always someone available to assist the media.

• The Media Relations Officers work from 8am to 4pm, Monday through Friday.
• The Watch Lieutenant or a designee is available on a 24-hour basis every day to assist the press corps. In the case of serious major incidents before 8am or after 4pm, call the Patrol Desk at (510) 238-3455. The patrol officer can direct you to the on-duty Lieutenant. 

How Do I Contact Media Relations?

• opdmedia@oaklandnet.com is the best way to contact the on-duty Media Relations Officer.
• You can also call (510) 238-7230.