The Public Information Officer reports directly to the Sheriff.  This individual works Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the Sheriff’s Operations Center in downtown Inverness.  A PIO is on-call Monday through Friday and can be reached after hours and on weekends or holidays via cell phone for breaking news and emergency situations.  Please see the
On-Call Policy for further information.

Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, commonly known as Florida's "Public Records Law," provides information on public records in Florida, including policies, definitions, exemptions and general information on access, inspection and duplication of records.  By definition, public records include all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received pursuant to law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency.

Out of all government entities subject to Ch. 119, F.S., law enforcement probably is entitled to claim the largest number of exemptions, depending on the classification of the offense committed and the victim involved.  Additionally, any information that could jeopardize an active investigation or endanger a deputy or citizen typically is exempt from public disclosure.

The Sheriff’s Office strives to partner with the community in all of its endeavors.  Currently, the primary methods used to communicate with the citizens of Citrus County include guest columns in local newspapers, public service announcements on radio and TV, news releases, radio interviews and this website.

The Public Information Office always strives to be responsive and professional in its activities, acting in full compliance with the Florida Public Records Law and in the best interests of the agency, the news media and the people of Citrus County.  Routine media inquiries and records requests are handled as expeditiously as possible during normal business hours by the PIO.  After hours and on weekends and holidays, a PIO is always on call for emergencies and significant breaking news events.

After hours, the on-call PIO generally will not have information readily available regarding non-fatal vehicle crashes, routine arrests, crimes not resulting in death or critical injury, or the status of cases that are not considered breaking news.

Written records, including arrest affidavits and offense reports, generally are not made available by the PIOs after hours or on weekends and holidays.  However, non-exempt arrest reports may be accessed by the media and the public via this website.

On-call PIOs should be contacted only in situations of high importance.  After hours and on weekends, news media representatives should check first with the communications supervisor by calling 352-726-1121.  The communications supervisor also can let the media know which PIO is on call.

Listen for Sheriff’s Office information via radio, watch for important news and updates on television, and keep informed about the agency via periodic newspaper articles and columns.

Daily general public information requests may be sent to Gail Tierney at gtierney@sheriffcitrus.org or via phone at 352-726-4488, Ext. 311.  Requests for tapes of 911 calls also may be directed to Gail.  Standard-sized audiocassettes, redacted as needed, will be provided for either a $5 payment or a replacement audiocassette.  Turnaround time is usually no less than five working days.