Public Information Officer
Jacob Brockett
American Public University
Public Information Officer
Communication, as most define it, is the ability to effectively and accurately exchange ideas and information. As a situation develops into a major incident or disaster, communication can deteriorate in the occurring chain of events. This brings the need for a Public Information Officer, or a person designated to obtain, review, and disseminate information to the right audience.
Responsibilities
The PIO is responsible for communicating with the public, media, and/or coordinating with other agencies, as necessary, with incident related information requirements (Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers, 2007). This requires the gathering …show more content…
Some specific skills would include writing and editing briefings and press releases. Using different types of mediums. Having experience or familiarization with media sources along with the ability to effectively communicate through different forms of mediums. The Public Information Officer should be able to read and create data from different content, for example charts, maps, NIMS and ICS forms. Also, be able to maintain organizational demands, intelligence gathering, and good relations with others through chaotic times. To qualify for the position of a Public Information Officer one would first need to be experienced and knowledgeable with NIMS, ICS, Agency organization policy and procedures. Most agencies do not require a college education, but I believe it should be a requirement due to extensive writing, editing, researching, and preparation of presentations. One should need no less than a bachelor’s degree in a relative field involving public administration, journalism, or research and development. Other education or training includes FEMA classes on NIMS, ICS, and the Public Information Officers handbook.
Who should have this position?
For the most part, the person selected for this position should want to do it. The requirements and pressure that comes with this responsibility can be daunting and demanding. A person would need to be at the very minimum punctual, accountable, motivated, organized and who can execute actions. A person with a variety of experience and
Jacob Brockett
American Public University
Public Information Officer
Communication, as most define it, is the ability to effectively and accurately exchange ideas and information. As a situation develops into a major incident or disaster, communication can deteriorate in the occurring chain of events. This brings the need for a Public Information Officer, or a person designated to obtain, review, and disseminate information to the right audience.
Responsibilities
The PIO is responsible for communicating with the public, media, and/or coordinating with other agencies, as necessary, with incident related information requirements (Basic Guidance for Public Information Officers, 2007). This requires the gathering …show more content…
Some specific skills would include writing and editing briefings and press releases. Using different types of mediums. Having experience or familiarization with media sources along with the ability to effectively communicate through different forms of mediums. The Public Information Officer should be able to read and create data from different content, for example charts, maps, NIMS and ICS forms. Also, be able to maintain organizational demands, intelligence gathering, and good relations with others through chaotic times. To qualify for the position of a Public Information Officer one would first need to be experienced and knowledgeable with NIMS, ICS, Agency organization policy and procedures. Most agencies do not require a college education, but I believe it should be a requirement due to extensive writing, editing, researching, and preparation of presentations. One should need no less than a bachelor’s degree in a relative field involving public administration, journalism, or research and development. Other education or training includes FEMA classes on NIMS, ICS, and the Public Information Officers handbook.
Who should have this position?
For the most part, the person selected for this position should want to do it. The requirements and pressure that comes with this responsibility can be daunting and demanding. A person would need to be at the very minimum punctual, accountable, motivated, organized and who can execute actions. A person with a variety of experience and