Strategic Management of Police Public Relations in Delivering Public Services: A Case Study of the Tanah Karo Regional Police

Authors

  • Zulham Zulham Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Jl. William Iskandar Ps. V, Medan Estate, Kec. Percut Sei Tuan, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara 20371
  • Hasan Sazali Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Jl. William Iskandar Ps. V, Medan Estate, Kec. Percut Sei Tuan, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara 20371
  • Hasnun Jauhari Ritonga Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Jl. William Iskandar Ps. V, Medan Estate, Kec. Percut Sei Tuan, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatera Utara 20371

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21111/ettisal.v10i02.14

Keywords:

Strategic Communication, Police Public Relations, Community Service, Law Enforcement

Abstract

This research investigates the strategic communication management practices of the Tanah Karo District Police Public Relations (Polres Tanah Karo) unit in community service delivery. Employing a qualitative case study approach, it evaluates communication strategies, channels, and effectiveness in building positive community relations, guided by Harwood Childs' Public Relations Strategy theory encompassing publicity, persuasion, argumentation, and image-building alongside implicit elements of the Two-Way Symmetrical Model for mutual adaptation and Excellence Theory for stakeholder integration. Data collection involved in-depth interviews with police officers, community leaders, and residents, supplemented by document analysis and field observations. Findings reveal Polres Tanah Karo's multi-channel strategy, integrating digital platforms like Instagram, traditional media, and direct community engagement, which aligns with Childs' indicators for publicity and persuasion while addressing local cultural contexts. Challenges persist in message consistency, feedback mechanisms, and cultural sensitivity, highlighting needs for enhanced two-way symmetrical dialogue to counter inconsistencies and boost trust. This study advances insights into Indonesian police PR, demonstrating how adaptive frameworks improve community trust and service delivery in regional settings like North Sumatra.

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Published

2025-12-25

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 02 (2025): Ettisal : Journal of Communication

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