Learning Public Relations at Police

As a Communication Studies student at the Universitas Sumatera Utara, I gained valuable professional experience during my internship at the Public Relations Division of Padangsidimpuan Police Resort from June 22 to August 14, 2026. This experience provided me with the opportunity to apply communication theories in a real-world working environment and gain a deeper understanding of how public relations contributes to disseminating information within a police institution. 

During my internship, I contributed to the production of 77 social media content pieces, completed 14 copywriting and publication-writing assignments, and documented 25 activities. My responsibilities included preparing visual materials, writing captions, editing short-form videos, and documenting police activities through photography and videography. The content covered various activities, including patrols, press conferences, courtroom security operations, inter-agency visits, community outreach activities, and educational programs. The content was published through Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and the Tribrata News website. 

One of the key learning experiences I gained was understanding the process behind creating effective content. I used Canva to develop visual designs and CapCut to edit short videos and Reels. Through these assignments, I learned to pay close attention to color selection, typography, layout, imagery, and word choice to ensure that information was communicated clearly and tailored to the intended audience. I also realized that content production requires thorough preparation, accurate information, and a clear understanding of the message being conveyed. 

My copywriting assignments helped me improve my ability to identify relevant information and present it concisely. Writing captions about police activities required me to understand the context of each activity before preparing the publication materials. Meanwhile, documenting activities such as morning assemblies, press conferences, official visits, and community engagement programs taught me to pay attention to lighting, composition, camera angles, focus, and timing. These responsibilities helped me understand how visual and written communication complement each other in supporting the dissemination of information to the public. 

Throughout my internship, I also learned the importance of information accuracy and accountability in public communication. AKP Ida Meri, S.H., Head of the Public Relations Division of Padangsidimpuan Police Resort, emphasized that information published on social media must be clear, accurate, and aligned with its communication objectives. This perspective helped me realize that public relations is not merely about creating engaging content, but also about ensuring that information shared with the public is trustworthy and easily understood. 

Another important lesson came from collaborating with the public relations staff. Brigpol Mardiani Putri Harahap, S.H., M.H., explained that content production requires coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions in the field. I experienced this firsthand when activity schedules changed unexpectedly or publication requests had to be completed within a short timeframe. In such situations, I learned to reorganize work priorities, communicate with staff members, and adjust my approach to meet changing demands. 

These experiences also helped me identify the skills I still need to develop. I became increasingly aware of the importance of time management, teamwork, interpersonal communication, and flexibility. Although adapting to a professional working environment presented challenges, the experience encouraged me to become more organized, responsive, and responsible in completing my assignments. 

For me, this internship was more than just an academic requirement. It provided an opportunity to connect the knowledge I acquired in the classroom with practical experience and develop a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in public relations. I learned that effective communication requires not only technical skills and creativity, but also information accuracy, coordination, adaptability, and a commitment to serving the public. This experience has provided a valuable foundation for my future career while strengthening my confidence in applying communication knowledge and skills in a professional environment.