News Summary
Two members of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, Sarah Alexander and Carlee Hatchell, have recently been awarded the Public Information Officer designation. This recognition, granted by the Center for Public Safety Excellence, highlights their commitment to excellence in public safety communication. Along with Captain Adam Myrick, who earned the designation earlier this year, they represent the agency’s dedication to community engagement and professional development in public information.
Lexington, South Carolina – Two members of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department’s public information team have recently earned a prestigious professional designation as Public Information Officers (PIOs), awarded by the Center for Public Safety Excellence. Sarah Alexander and Carlee Hatchell received this recognition from the Commission of Professional Credentialing last month, joining a select group of only 70 credentialed PIOs across the United States.
The PIO designation reflects a high standard of excellence based on seven key components, including experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement, and technical competence. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that only those who meet rigorous criteria are honored with this designation.
Both Alexander and Hatchell demonstrated their commitment to public safety communication through a detailed professional development plan that they submitted as part of their application for the designation. This requirement underscores the importance of continuous learning and skill enhancement in the field of public information.
Sheriff Jay Koon commended the exceptional performance and dedication exhibited by Alexander and Hatchell in their roles. Their achievements not only enhance the credibility of the Sheriff’s Department but also ensure effective communication with the community they serve.
To maintain the PIO designation, recipients must engage in ongoing professional development, continue contributing to the profession, hold active memberships in professional associations, participate in community engagements, and adhere to a strict code of conduct. This requirement ensures that those who earn the designation remain informed and engaged with current trends within the field of public safety communication.
Roles and Experience
Sarah Alexander has served as the digital communications coordinator at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department since 2021. Her role involves managing the department’s online presence and ensuring effective communication through digital platforms. This position requires a blend of technical skills and strategic communication abilities.
Carlee Hatchell has been the public information coordinator since 2022, following her initial position as a public information intern. In her current role, she is responsible for disseminating important information to the public and media, helping to maintain transparency and community trust in law enforcement activities.
Recent Developments in Public Information
In addition to Alexander and Hatchell’s achievements, Captain Adam Myrick, who leads the public information unit at the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, earned the PIO designation earlier this year in February 2024. His accomplishment further signifies the department’s commitment to maintaining high standards in public communication and community engagement.
The granting of these designations speaks volumes about the caliber and professionalism of the public information team within the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department. It also highlights the agency’s dedication to fostering an informed community and enhancing the overall trust and rapport between law enforcement and residents.
Conclusion
The recent achievements of Sarah Alexander and Carlee Hatchell in receiving their PIO designations reflect the hard work and commitment of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to excellence in public safety communication. With a strong emphasis on professional development and community engagement, the department continues to set a standard for effective transparency and responsiveness in its communications.
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Additional Resources
- Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: Communication Professionals Earn National Credential
- Lexington County Sheriff’s Department: Former Employee Charged
- ABC Columbia: Former Employee Charged in Relation to Fraud
- Cola Daily: Former Employee Charged with Payroll Fraud
- Wikipedia: Lexington, South Carolina
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