The Office of Communications (OCOM) handles all Office of Justice Programs' (OJP's) congressional, legislative, and media-related activities to ensure effective communications with Congress, the news media, and the public.

About OCOM

OCOM works with members of Congress, congressional committees, and congressional staff on legislation, policies, and issues that affect OJP, its program offices, and the criminal justice community. This includes tracking legislation, responding to congressional requests, and providing guidance to the Department of Justice and OJP regarding pending legislation.

OCOM publishes news releases and other information and also works with the news media to keep them informed about OJP programs and activities. The staff also responds to media requests, arranges interviews with OJP officials, and news conferences to announce important programs or research findings.

Resources

OJP News Center
OCOM Student Internships

OCOM Leadership

Phillip Merkle
Acting Director

About Phil

Mr. Merkle is the Acting Director of the Office of Communications. He has worked at OJP for over 15 years in various capacities, including Program Manager, Attorney Advisor, Senior Policy Advisor and Grant Manager. During his tenure, he has had the opportunity to contribute to several OJP components including the Corrections Program Office; Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Community Capacity Development Office; and the Office of the General Counsel. Over the years, he has provided leadership and guidance in such areas as prisoner reentry, sex offender management, crime prevention initiatives such as Neighborhood Watch and Volunteers in Police Service, and nationwide service initiatives such as the White House's USA Freedom Corp. Prior to joining the Department of Justice in 1996, he was a practicing attorney in the State of Maryland specializing in criminal defense and family law. He was also a judicial clerk in the Circuit Court of Maryland for Prince George's County for 18 months. Mr. Merkle graduated from the University of Richmond with a double major in political science and criminal justice and the Catholic University School of Law in Washington, D.C., where he received his Juris Doctorate.

OCOM Contacts

For media inquiries and interview requests, please visit the Media Inquiries webpage.

For congressional inquiries, please contact [email protected].