--MEDIA ADVISORY--

** SCDPS MAKES CHANGES IN DELIVERY OF INFORMATION TO MEDIA REGARDING MAJOR INCIDENTS **

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety will begin a new procedure in the way information is disseminated to the media beginning August 5, 2019, at 6 a.m.

Currently, the agency notifies media outlets through Nixle (by e-mail) when an incident has been posted to the SCDPS media line, which is 803-896-8144. The media outlet then calls the media line to retrieve the recorded information. Under the new procedures, the media will no longer need to call and retrieve those incidents. Updates on fatalities and major incidents, which are normally posted on the media line, will be automatically e-mailed directly to the media in a WAV audio file. The media must continue to call the media line at 803-896-8144 to page the on-call Community Relations Officer.

The Communications Office will use the e-mail addresses that we currently use to send Nixle updates. If your media outlet would like to have additional individuals receive the information, please send those updates to Sgt. Bill Rhyne at WilliamRhyne@scdps.gov.

In addition to this new procedure, the SCDPS will still use Nixle, as needed, to send short communications to the media.

We encourage the media to share feedback with Sgt. Rhyne or your local Community Relations Officer about these new procedures and how we can better serve you.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs, Immigration Enforcement Unit and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.