The following example of a press release could be leveraged in your state as a means for communicating and marketing the interoperability project’s efforts around the state to create a media buzz. Submitting media releases to the local newspapers and trade associations as the interview process is launched serves as a great way to inspire and validate the local and state stakeholders who are participating.
Sample Media Press Release
Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of the Secretary of Public Safety
March 1st, 2004
Contact: State Interoperability POC (000) 000-0000
VIRGINIA TO CONDUCT AN INTEROPERABILITY COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION
Richmond, Virginia - The lack of interoperable wireless communications systems has been an issue plaguing public safety organizations for decades. Virginia is currently coordinating the development of a Statewide Interoperability Strategic Plan to identify issues and develop strategies to increase interoperability throughout the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is driving the design of a strategic plan for statewide interoperability founded on SAFECOM principles. SAFECOM is a public safety practitioner-driven program, managed within the Department of Homeland Security, that was established to help local, tribal, state, and federal public safety agencies improve public safety response through more effective and efficient interoperable wireless communications. The Office of Public Safety is committed to involving local emergency responders in this endeavor and believes the success of this effort depends on it.
Six focus group sessions will be conducted around the state to capture local feedback on interoperability as the first part of the strategic planning process. Each focus group will be mainly comprised of informal and formal leaders from fire, law enforcement, and EMS departments with additional representation from public health, local, and state agencies.
The focus groups will consist of large and small group discussions driven by four core questions:
- How would you describe Virginia’s existing level of interoperability?
- Why do we need to change and what would happen if we don’t change?
- What do we want our future system for interoperable communications to look like?
- What problems might we encounter when striving for this future state?
The focus groups sessions and strategic planning session will take place on the following dates and locations:
-
Focus Group 1: April 7, Wytheville
-
Focus Group 2: April 13, Newport News
-
Focus Group 3: April 20, Harrisonburg
-
Focus Group 4: April 27, Richmond
-
Focus Group 5: May 4, Manassas
-
Focus Group 6: May 6, Lynchburg
-
Strategic Planning Session: May 18, Richmond
For more information, please contact the Commonwealth Interoperability Coordinator at (000) 000-0000.