From Flame Wars to Facts: Neutral Response Strategies for Public Agencies

ABOUT THE ROLE This is a non-civil service position performing professional work in planning, coordinating, or directing an administrative, programmatic, or technical operation for the Department of Finance. The role involves supervising professional, technical, clerical, or paraprofessional personnel while receiving managerial supervision from an administrative superior. Work is performed in a normal office environment with minimal physical exertion. While a conventional work week is standard, some positions may require evening and weekend hours, as well as 24-hour callback during emergencies. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Plan, organize, and direct the work of professional, technical, clerical, or paraprofessional personnel. - Coordinate the activities of various organizational units within the agency. - Compile, analyze, and interpret financial and operational data, charts, reports, and statistical or budgetary statements. - Research and write complex narrative and statistical reports. - Identify problem areas and recommend appropriate solutions based on logical consideration of alternatives. - Interpret and apply a variety of laws, rules, regulations, standards, and procedures. - Speak and testify effectively before governmental and legal bodies, commissions, the media, and community or business groups. - Establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, community, and business groups. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. - Experience: Five (5) years of experience in administrative or professional work. - Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license, or an equivalent out-of-state driver's license acceptable to the Office of Risk Management. Provisional driver's licenses or learner permits are not acceptable. - Must upload a copy of the valid driver's license with the application at the time of applying. - Must successfully complete a mandatory six-month probation period (applies to all selected persons, including current City employees). - Eligible candidates under final consideration for positions of trust must authorize and successfully complete a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening. SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application review to verify minimum qualifications and required document uploads (e.g., driver's license). 2. Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint clearance for eligible candidates under final consideration. 3. Final selection based on qualifications, interview performance, and background check results. HOW TO APPLY - Applications must be submitted online through the City of Baltimore career portal. - Application Deadline: October 23, 2026, no later than 12:00 AM (midnight) on the closing date. - Job Requisition ID: R0018554. - A copy of a valid driver's license must be uploaded with the application. - Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Do not attach accommodation requests to the application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Department of Finance - Location: Abel Wolman Municipal Building, Baltimore, MD - Role Type: Non-Civil Service Position, Full-time - Work Conditions: Normal office conditions, minimal physical exertion, conventional work week (with potential for evening/weekend hours and 24-hour emergency callback). - Equal Opportunity Employer: The Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, prohibiting discrimination on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.

ABOUT THE ROLE The HR Generalist II performs a wide variety of professional human resources work involving assignments of a complex nature that require a broad knowledge of human resources. This role may involve leading paraprofessional human resource and office support employees, though it does not include full supervisory duties. The incumbent receives general supervision from a technical superior, works a conventional workweek, and operates in a normal office environment requiring minimal physical exertion. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Apply fundamental human resources management principles, practices, and techniques in recruitment, classification and compensation, professional development, HRIS, or benefits and wellness. - Exercise sound judgment in applicant review, interviewing, selection, and job placement. - Interpret and implement human resources policies and procedures in compliance with Federal, State, and Local regulations (including FLSA, ADA, and EEO). - Communicate effectively with employees, applicants, management, elected officials, and the public, both orally and in writing. - Develop, analyze, and manipulate data from various databases to produce reports and spreadsheets. - Conduct research, compile data, and prepare statistical and narrative reports. - Maintain accurate human resources records. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education: A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. - Experience: Three years of experience in human resources administration. - Equivalencies: An equivalent combination of education and experience. One year of graduate coursework in human resources administration, business administration, or public policy from an accredited college or university may be substituted for each year of the experience requirement. - International education credentials must be evaluated for US equivalency by an approved agency (e.g., NACES). SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must authorize the release of criminal conviction information and pass drug and alcohol tests as part of a background check. - Must complete a mandatory one-year probationary period upon selection. - No specific licenses, registrations, or certificates are required for this role. SELECTION PROCESS - Candidates indicating they meet the minimum qualifications on their application will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. - Training and experience will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity based on the application details. - The examination consists of a rating of education, training, and experience as presented in the application. - Supplemental questions may be required to further examine specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. - Qualified candidates will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months and will not be listed in rank order. HOW TO APPLY - Submit a complete and accurate application through the official City of Baltimore careers portal, ensuring all education, training, and experience details are thoroughly documented to avoid disqualification due to vagueness or omission. - For questions, contact Dayvon Smith, Recruitment Talent and Acquisition Specialist, at Dayvon.Smith@baltimorecity.gov. - Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly and must not attach the request to the application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Baltimore - Location: 401 E Fayette St, Baltimore, MD - Job Type: Full time - Job Requisition ID: R0018599 - Closing Date: August 12, 2026 - Equal Opportunity Employer: Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and prohibits discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.

ABOUT THE ROLE The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for developing and disseminating public information about the Police Department’s programs, services, and initiatives. Reporting to the Chief of Police, the PIO serves as the primary spokesperson for the department. This role works to provide a comprehensive media relations and public information program that educates the public, manages community awareness, and maintains a positive public image for the department. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee media relations, serving as the primary point of contact for media outlets and responding to inquiries professionally - Research, develop, and disseminate information via digital and print media, press releases, photos, videos, and public service announcements - Create social media content and manage Police Department social media accounts - Represent the department at civic events and act as spokesperson when appropriate - Work in an on-call capacity to respond to emergencies and release information during evening and weekend hours - Lead the coordination of press conferences as deemed appropriate - Work collaboratively with the Communications team during emergency activations and day-to-day duties - Assist with planning and organizing community outreach programs and events - Assist the Communications Department in working toward ADA compliance MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Four-year degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, public relations, social sciences, education, public administration, or a related field - Four years of professional experience as a public information officer or in journalism, public relations, research, grant writing, and project management, or an equivalent combination of training and experience - Experience in crisis communications or public safety information is highly considered - Must meet requirements in relation to the State (FCIC) and the National (NCIC) Criminal Information Centers - A comparable amount of training, education, and/or experience may be substituted for the above qualifications SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Possession of a valid Florida Driver's license or the ability to obtain one within six weeks of the date of hire - Subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours and relocation to challenging conditions - Physical requirements include moderate work: exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds to move objects, and up to 10 pounds constantly, along with balancing, bending, lifting, speaking, standing, and walking HOW TO APPLY Apply through the official City of North Port, FL employment portal or human resources department. Ensure your application is submitted before any stated closing date. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: North Port, FL - Job Type: Full-Time - Department: Police Department - Class Title: Public Information Officer - Police - Class Code: 704-19 - Grade: 704 - Employer: City of North Port, FL

ABOUT THE ROLE Under the supervision of the Director of the Boston Regional Intelligence Center, this role conducts extensive analyses of crime and intelligence data, leading the BRIC's violent crime analysis team. The analyst will frequently brief senior department command staff, city leadership, and executive-level external partners on trends and patterns of firearm violence. The analyst will also be detailed to BPD specialized units at least one day per week to provide in-depth case and intelligence support. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead the collection, collation, analysis, production, and dissemination of intelligence information related to retaliatory firearm violence. - Research documents, reports, raw data, and internet-based material, applying structured analytic techniques and summarizing results. - Utilize software technologies including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation programs, as well as geospatial, social network, and link analysis platforms. - Perform short-term, tactical analysis through cluster and hotspot identification to identify trends and patterns. - Perform long-term planning and analysis using raster-based analysis, social network analysis, and other advanced analytic methodologies. - Conduct crime and intelligence analysis using community characteristics, demographic reports, intelligence data, police reports, and calls for service. - Conduct detailed link and network analysis of criminal organizations. - Conduct advanced statistical analysis. - Regularly compile and analyze crime data, identify trends, generate visual aids, and brief BPD Command Staff and senior City leadership. - Write professional intelligence analysis products relating to ongoing trends. - Develop and implement new analytical methods and identify new datasets required for advanced analysis. - Partner with BPD units, including the Youth Violence Strike Force and Firearms Analysis Unit, to support investigations. - Collaborate with external agencies, including the FBI and ATF, to support investigations and develop joint intelligence products. - Provide leadership, direction, and guidance to junior analysts supporting the violent crime portfolio. - Demonstrate a detailed understanding of 28 CFR Part 23 and other applicable laws pertaining to criminal intelligence information. - Comply with all federal, state, and local regulatory requirements pertaining to criminal intelligence and law enforcement data access. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Permanent or naturalized U.S. citizen. - Minimum of 4 years of full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience involving the analysis of data and intelligence in a law enforcement or national security position. - A bachelor's degree in criminal justice, international relations, computer science, or a related field may be substituted for 2 years of experience. A master's degree may be substituted for 3 years. - High level of accuracy and attentiveness to numerical calculation. - Superior analytical and problem-solving skills. - Exceptional written and oral communication skills. - Ability to exercise sound judgment and focus on detail. - Extensive experience using ESRI GIS software, Microsoft Office suite, i2 Analyst's Notebook, or other link and network analysis software. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Upon hire, the incumbent may be required to obtain and maintain a federal government national security clearance at the secret level. - Criminal record check is required. - Pre-employment drug test is required. - Boston residency is strictly required. SELECTION PROCESS - Standard City of Boston hiring process applies. - The City of Boston is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category. HOW TO APPLY - Applications must be submitted through the official City of Boston employment portal. - Posting End Date: January 13, 2027. - For inquiries, contact Clarence Thompson at clarence.thompson@pd.boston.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Boston - Department: Boston Police Department - Job Type: Regular Full-Time - Hours: 35 hours per week - Req ID: 2026-32151 - Location: BPD Police Headquarters, Boston, MA - Union/Grade: SENA/MM1-7 - Openings: 1

ABOUT THE ROLE Under general direction, this full journey-level position performs community risk reduction, public education, fire prevention, inspection, and code enforcement duties for residential, commercial, and industrial occupancies. Responsibilities include plan checking and testing of hazardous processes and fire protection systems. The role reports to the Fire and Life Safety Specialist and may provide lead direction on special projects or day-to-day assignments. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Inspect complex occupancies (e.g., churches, manufacturing, auto body garages, care homes) for compliance with federal, state, and local codes. - Review building construction, site, sprinkler, and fire alarm plans for regulatory compliance and perform related calculations. - Conduct fire sprinkler, alarm, and fire flow tests; review and track test results. - Inspect properties for weed abatement, issue notices, and follow up. - Inspect buildings under construction for compliance with fire and building codes related to prevention, detection, and suppression systems. - Manage special programs such as fire sprinkler servicing, fireworks display inspections, and Knox box installations. - Educate the public, lecture groups on fire safety, present educational programs, and publish educational articles. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Valid and appropriate California Class C Driver’s License with a good driving record. - Associate’s Degree or greater from an accredited college or university. - Current California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Fire Inspector I certification. - Ability to complete the CSFM Fire Inspector II series of courses within one year (or completion of the previous CSFM Fire Prevention Specialist series: 2A, 2B, 2C). - Three years of paid experience as a Fire Inspector with a paid Fire Department, OR three years of experience enforcing building codes, OSHA, or similar inspection duties. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Desirable: Current CSFM Fire Inspector II certification or equivalent. - Desirable: Two years of professional experience as a plan checker. - Physical demands include lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds, climbing ladders, working on rooftops, and working in extreme weather conditions. - May require working modified workweeks, including evenings and weekends, and traveling within or outside the City for meetings or training. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be reviewed based on necessary employment standards. - Candidates may be invited to participate in a 100 percent weighted oral examination. - Passing candidates will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year. - Successful candidates must pass a Personal History Questionnaire, polygraph or voice stress examination, extensive background investigation, medical examination, and drug or alcohol screen. - Proof of citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S. is required at the time of hire. HOW TO APPLY - Submit a completed employment application and supplemental questionnaire online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/clovisca. - Deadline: August 12, 2026, at 4:30 PM Pacific Time. - Brief resumes are welcome as a supplement, but a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. - Veterans Preference Points may be provided if a DD Form 214 is attached at the time of submission. - For questions, contact Personnel at (559) 324-2725. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Clovis, California - Location: Clovis, CA - Job Type: Full-Time - Department: Fire Department - Division: Life Safety & Enforcement - Job Number: 2600099 - Opening Date: 07/22/2026 - Closing Date: 8/12/2026 at 4:30 PM Pacific Time

ABOUT THE ROLE This is a responsible technical civilian position performing comprehensive criminal research to aid the investigative process for the prevention, suppression, and detection of criminal activity and the apprehension of criminals. Work is performed under the direction of the Investigation Division Commander. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Collect, collate, and analyze economic, geographic, or social information to support crime analysis activities - Correlate crime data to determine patterns, trends, and characteristics of criminal activity - Assist the department in identifying possible suspects through extensive research - Maintain a crime database by retrieving, sorting, and entering information from police reports, RMS, and other automated systems - Prepare photo lineups for officers and detectives - Provide street-level intelligence to the chain of command - Disseminate acquired intelligence to various agencies to aid criminal investigations - Identify and monitor known criminal offenders and gang members - Act as a liaison with other criminal justice personnel for receiving and distributing intelligence - Create confidential law enforcement bulletins regarding crime trends, wanted persons, and officer safety - Maintain the Crime Stoppers database and track sexual predators and offenders in the city - Prepare monthly Neighborhood Watch crime presentations with handouts - Assist the System Administrator for LInX and ROCIC databases - Serve as the Agency Fusion Liaison Officer (FLO) for the Region Six Fusion Center - Present the weekly Intelligence brief to the department command staff - Provide training and mentorship to Crime Analyst I positions MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - High School Diploma or acceptable equivalency diploma (preferred) - Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field - Four years of related work experience and training involving research, investigations, or administrative work in the assigned area, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license by date of hire - NCIC/FCIC, TIEO, or FLEAT Certification - Must submit to a State and National Criminal Background Investigation - Subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours and duties outside the official job description - Ability to effectively and discreetly handle confidential information - Requires the operation of a City vehicle - Light physical work environment: exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently to move objects SELECTION PROCESS Candidates will be evaluated based on education, experience, and alignment with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The City of North Port is an Affirmative Action, ADA, Veterans’ Preference, and Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. HOW TO APPLY Submit a complete application through the official City of North Port, FL career portal or human resources department. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: City of North Port, FL - Class Title: Crime Analyst II - Class Code: 909 - Grade: 909 - Work Environment: Dynamic environment requiring sensitivity to changing goals, with minimal exposure to physical health or safety risks

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Baltimore is seeking a Graphic Artist II to perform graphic arts and design work within the Department of Transportation. This role involves creating print and digital media materials, assisting the Communications team with public messaging, social media, website updates, and media inquiries. This position has no supervisory duties. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Create print collateral including brochures, flyers, postcards, posters, banners, logos, PowerPoint presentations, and press kits. - Develop digital media materials such as social media graphics, website banners, public presentation decks, and email newsletters. - Assist the Communications team with public messaging assignments, social media and website updates, and media inquiries. - Utilize Adobe Creative Cloud, digital mapping tools, GIS exports, PowerPoint, basic animation/motion design, and Canva. - Apply knowledge of Drupal 10 and social media software like Buffer (preferred). - Work irregular hours, extended shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays on short notice as needed. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in graphic arts or a related field from an accredited college or university. - One year of experience in designing and drawing graphic materials. - OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. - Knowledge of graphic arts principles and techniques. - Skill in drawing, painting, coloring, lettering, sketching, exhibit construction, and photographic or movie making techniques. - Skill in using drawing, painting, and lettering instruments, woodworking tools, photographic and movie making equipment, paints, inks, and other illustrative materials. - Ability to maintain effective relationships with City agency representatives and associates. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Willingness to work irregular hours, extended shifts, evenings, weekends, and holidays on short notice. - Must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint check, as this is a position of trust. - Must complete a mandatory six-month probation period. - Education credentials obtained outside the US must be evaluated for US equivalency by an approved agency (e.g., www.naces.org). SELECTION PROCESS - Candidates indicating minimum qualifications on their applications will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. - Training and experience will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity based on the application. - Applicants may be required to complete supplemental questions to examine specific Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. - Successful applicants will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months (candidates are not listed in rank order). HOW TO APPLY - Submit your application no later than 12:00 AM on the closing date of August 11, 2026. - Provide complete and accurate information on your application; vagueness or omission may prevent consideration. - For questions, contact Recruiter Ayomide Arodoye at Ayomide.Arodoye@baltimorecity.gov. - Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources directly and must not attach the request to the application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Baltimore - Department: Transportation - Maintenance (Facility Support; Special Events; Signs and Markings) - Job Type: Full time - Job Requisition ID: R0018692 - Application End Date: August 11, 2026 - Benefits: Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans, plus wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. - The Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

ABOUT THE ROLE Under general administrative direction, the Executive Assistant performs advanced secretarial and administrative support for the Mayor, Chief of Staff, or other executive in the Mayor's Office. This role involves handling work of a confidential or complex nature, requiring considerable discretion, judgment, tact, and diplomacy. The position coordinates the executive's calendar, schedules, travel, and correspondence, and is an appointed, at-will position without tenure, exempt from the career service system. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Review and summarize correspondence, reports, and legal or legislative dealings requiring executive action. - Prepare correspondence and file documents related to budgetary, administrative, legal, and legislative actions. - Prepare council agenda cover sheets, summary reports, and appropriate attachments for distribution. - Research topics or issues and gather specialized information. - Compose correspondence, memos, reports, forms, meeting agendas, and minutes from drafts, notes, or dictation. - Make travel arrangements, schedule meetings and conference rooms, and maintain the executive's master calendar. - Maintain filing systems for daily informational materials, including sensitive or confidential information. - Use public relations skills to handle calls, resolve issues, and route individuals to proper city personnel. - Perform staff support activities for mayor's cabinet meetings, ensuring appropriate documentation and follow-through. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - High school graduation or equivalent AND two years of paid, progressively more responsible office experience (including office management, public or community relations, and/or executive secretary duties). Up to two years of post-secondary academic training may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis. - Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals of diverse backgrounds, including public officials, community leaders, and the general public. - Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. - Strong knowledge of modern office administration, business English, grammar, correspondence formats, and composition. - Ability to operate a personal computer, standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel), and office equipment. - Ability to maintain legal and confidential information in accordance with established policy and procedures. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Possession of a valid state driver's license or Utah driving privilege card may be required. - This is an appointed, at-will position without tenure and is exempt from the career service system. - Occasional evening and weekend work or attendance at night meetings may be required based on business needs. - Light physical effort with intermittent exposure to stress and discomfort from frequent computer use. SELECTION PROCESS Early application submittal is encouraged. An initial review of resumes will be conducted on August 10, 2026. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit an application through the official employment portal. 2. Ensure your resume clearly highlights your progressive office experience, executive support skills, and ability to handle confidential information. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: City Hall - Job Type: Full-Time, Appointed, At-will, Exempt - Job Requisition ID: JR6135 - Department: Mayor's Office - Opening Date: Late July 2026 - Closing Date: August 10, 2026 (Initial review date) - Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (40 scheduled hours) - Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid vacation and personal leave; 6 to 12 weeks of paid parental leave from day one; retirement contributions toward a pension plan and/or 401(k); robust Employee Assistance Plan (EAP); up to $4,000 annual tuition reimbursement; and discounted supplemental benefits like pet insurance and legal services.