Public Safety | Recruitment Communications Organization: City of Birmingham Police Department Role: Public Relations Manager Campaign Title: Officer Recruitment Campaign & "Day in the Life" Series
Overview: The Birmingham Police Department needed to rebuild its recruitment pipeline during one of the most challenging periods in modern law enforcement history, when public trust in police was at a critical juncture and competition for qualified candidates was fierce.
The Challenge: Attract qualified, diverse applicants and generate enough interest to fill an inaugural 50-person police academy class, in an environment where the department's public image required deliberate, human-centered storytelling to overcome stigma and skepticism.
The Strategy: Developed and executed an integrated public relations and recruitment marketing strategy built around three pillars: a signature "Day in the Life" video series following active officers through their daily duties; a recurring Open House event series giving prospective recruits direct, unfiltered access to the Chief of Police; and a targeted media and digital outreach campaign designed to reach qualified candidates across diverse demographics.
The Results:
30+ qualified prospective applicants attended the Open House series
Successfully supported the launch of an inaugural 50-person academy class
Elevated the department's employer brand through authentic, officer-centered storytelling
Created replicable campaign frameworks for future recruitment cycles