The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for providing Police-related information to both local and national news media on events of concern to the public, serving as a liaison between the Police Department and the media. To contact an Urbandale Police Department PIO, contact Sergeant Chad Underwood or call 515-278-3938.
For all other city media inquires please contact Derek Zarn, Communications Specialist.
Notifying Media & the Public
The PIO coordinates press releases and press conferences on current criminal investigations, major crimes and at times will update media with details of ongoing investigations. The PIO is also responsible for dissemination of information related to other areas of public interest and / or safety and does so through several social media platforms.
Social Networking
Follow the Urbandale Police Department on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Maintaining Rapport
The PIO is charged with developing and maintaining a satisfactory rapport with the various media entities by providing them with timely and appropriate information, and accessibility to police events. Currently there is one primary, and two secondary Public Information Officers within the Urbandale Police Department.