Public Information Officer

The Public Information Officer position has continued to evolve throughout the year. There have been numerous media requests, from local and nationwide media, that have been fulfilled. The daily media briefing is the priority, where the local media is informed on what is happening within the Police Department.

As communications evolve, it is much easier for media outside the area to pick up on crimes that happen in Sioux Falls. Some of these are “picked up” on the wire service and rebroadcast, while others result in phone interviews for more information. The result is news from Sioux Falls ends up being broadcast not only locally but
regionally, and, at times, nationally.

Requests from local media continue to be a priority, enabling them to provide information to the public and foster an open relationship with the department. Public Information Officer Sam Clemens is frequently the main contact for the media.

The Sioux Falls Police Department’s show On Patrol airs on cable channel CityLink 16. There are new episodes every month and each episode is composed of primarily three segments. This format allows us to showcase different areas of the department for the public. It helps to dispel myths and explain what happens behind the scenes.

In 2010, the Sioux Falls Police Department started its own Facebook page. This is a great way to connect directly with the community and keep the public informed of different police matters. For 2010, Officer Clemens remained committed to the goal of maintaining and improving relationships with the media outlets and providing needed information to ensure the public’s safety.

To contact the Public Information Officer:

Officer Sam Clemens
Sioux Falls Police Department
320 West 4th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
1-605-367-4683
sclemens@siouxfalls.org