Nashville, Tennessee --- The Tennessee Department of Safety announced today a new procedure for contacting the Public Information Officer. Effective immediately, news media requiring information from the statewide on-call PIO during non-business hours should call 615.533.7105 or send an email to Julie.A.Oaks@state.tn.us. Media may also contact the local Tennessee Highway Patrol Dispatcher in your area who will put them in touch with the PIO.

Previously the on-call PIO utilized a digital pager 888-220-4791. The pager has been disconnected and is no longer in use.

The department hopes the new contact procedures will streamline and expedite the process of gathering and responding to requests for information during non-business hours.

When contacting the PIO via email, please remember to include specific details of the request and both phone and email contacts where the PIO may reach you.

We appreciate your patience during this transition.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tennessee.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.