Public Information & Media Relations #public_info_and_media_relations

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office understands the importance of effective communication and a strong relationship with the media. The Sheriff’s Office uses the media as a communications tool to connect with the community. Effective media relations and positive community participation are two vital components to the overall success of any law enforcement agency and its mission to serve the general public.

The Public Information Officer:

  • Is the main point of contact for the Sheriff's Office to assist the news media
  • Prepares and disseminates all Sheriff's Office news releases
  • Coordinates interview requests from the media
  • Arranges and coordinates press conferences, and conducts other media events for the Sheriff's Office
  • Manages the Sheriff's Office social medial platforms
  • Assists with special projects and presentations about Sheriff's Office services and activities
  • Coordinates the media and serves as a liaison for the release of information during emergencies and disasters
  • Oversees Freedom of Information Requests (FOIA) when submitted to the Charleston County Sheriff's Office

Contact

Public Information Officer

Alexis "Lexi" Douglas

Phone: (843) 958-2114

Email: ADouglas@CharlestonCounty.org

Karli Maratea, Paralegal / Administrative Assistant

Phone: (843) 554-2495

Email: KMaratea@CharlestonCounty.org

Resources

Media Request Form
FOIA Request Form
CCSO Policy and Procedures Manual

FOIA Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, please visit the South Carolina State Government website at www.SCStateHouse.gov.

Question: What is FOIA?

Answer: FOIA stands for the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which was enacted to provide direct access to the functions of government to the general public and press.

Question: Do I have to file a formal FOI request to get information?

Answer: Before filing a formal FOIA request, you may want to call or visit the public Records office first and ask for the information you are seeking. A formal FOIA request may not be needed. If one is required, this request must be in writing.

Question: Is there a fee associated with a FOI request?

Answer: Generally speaking there is a fee that the public bodies are allowed to charge under FOIA. This fee may vary depending on the type of the request. A fee may be charged not to exceed the actual cost of research and making copies.

Question: If I am a victim in case, will I be charge a fee to obtain a copy of an incident report?

Answer: No.

Question: How many days are allowed before my FOI request requires a response from the public body?

Answer: Each public body, upon written request, has ten days (excluding weekends and legal, public holidays) to respond to a request. If the requested information is older than two years, this increases to twenty days.

Question: Can the public body charge an hourly rate for research?

Answer: Yes. There is nothing under this Act that prevents the public body from charging an hourly rate, but it has to be a reasonable rate.