Media Relations Office

The Media Relations Office is assigned to the Office of the Commissioner. Media Relations is responsible for providing timely, accurate and transparent information regarding the mission of the Department of Safety, including responses to critical incidents and public safety operations.

The Role of Media Relations

Media Relations issues news releases, holds press conferences, provides spokespersons, and disseminates information through social media to ensure that the public is aware of Department activities and services. The Media Relations Office is available to assist any media outlet with inquiries about the Department or any of its 7 divisions.

Duties of the Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO

The Department of Safety has a Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO, who serves within the Office of the Commissioner. The Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO serves as a central point of contact for members of the news media and is the Department's primary spokesperson. The Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO may also respond to critical incidents and large-scale emergencies. Multiple public information liaisons within Safety's seven divisions assist the Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO with external communications, including the dissemination of news releases and use of social media to promote agency-specific information and events.

Requests for Information and Interviews

All news media requests for information, as well as requests to interview the Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners, Directors, or other personnel, should be routed through the Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO first. The Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO may be contacted by emailing PIO@dos.nh.gov.

Office Hours/After-Hours Availability

In general, the Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO works Monday through Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., excluding state holidays. The Strategic Communications Administrator/PIO, or a designated liaison, will be made available after-hours and on weekends for major incidents that require an immediate public notification due to community safety concerns. Requests for information and incidents that do not pose an immediate public safety threat will be answered during the next business day.