S5 - #32: Jen Longaecker, Deputy Communications Director - MPS

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Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Jen Longaecker, the Deputy Communications Director for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, shares her unique journey from journalism to public safety communications. She discusses the challenges faced during the 2020 civil unrest, the importance of social media in crisis management, and the strategies employed to engage the community and recruit new law enforcement personnel. Jen emphasizes the significance of storytelling in public safety communications and the need for effective messaging templates to navigate crises. In this conversation, Jen Longaecker discusses the evolving role of law enforcement and the importance of community engagement. She highlights the challenges faced by communications professionals in adapting to changing media consumption habits and the impact of AI on storytelling. Jen shares her aspirations in crisis communication and offers valuable advice for aspiring public information officers, emphasizing the importance of genuine storytelling and preparedness in crises. The discussion concludes with key takeaways on effective communication strategies and the importance of curiosity in the field.

Jen's BIO:  Jen Longaecker has worked for the Department of Public Safety since 2013 in a variety of roles. She began her time with DPS as a public information officer for the State Fire Marshal division and Office of Pipeline Safety. She also served as DPS’ social media manager and staff photographer. Jen left DPS briefly to work as a communications manager for a Twin Cities suburb but returned to DPS and is currently the deputy communications director, leading a team of 25 communications specialists and public information officers. 

Jen has experience handling strategic communications and social media messaging during critical incidents. 

She was in the joint information center during the historic civil unrest following the death of George Floyd and the killing of Daunte Wright, and also developed strategic communication for the COVID-19 pandemic and Line 3 pipeline construction. Jen has taken photos at several funerals for Minnesota fallen first responders and has helped local agencies with crisis communications and media relations.

Before coming to DPS, Jen was a 911 dispatcher for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Jen spent the early stages of her career as a newspaper editor and reporter covering public safety and courts. 

Jen lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and her dog, a pug named Evie. In her spare time, she plays the saxophone in two swing bands and is training to provide PIO support on large-scale fires and other emergencies across the country. 

Jen is a University of Wisconsin-River Falls graduate.

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