Emergency Communication - Public Information Officer Position Assignment

Emergency Communication - Public Information Officer Position - Assignment Example The subordinates should be well informed. There is a need for one to know oneself and seek improvement. Critical thinker: The PIO under his mandate should be able to plan, develop, organize and provide direction for a comprehensive policy on information. He should consult the incident commander in order to educate the rest of the staff and the media about the programs of the department, events, projects, plans and implements (Laft, 2011, p.90). He should evaluate public information and community outreach; should ensure the division meets the applicable laws and regulations; should provide highly responsible, operational assistance and complex administration. He/she fosters good working relationships with the other agencies and serves as the spokesperson of the department. This is because he/she responds to the requests of information from the public. Social and tact: The work may require one being tactful because it entails frequent public contact. He may also have independent judgment. Sometimes it may require one to have a wider knowledge of the department policies that relate to specific areas. Through interaction, he/she should be in a position to research, develop and implement program plans. One should receive inquiries and providing information to the public concerning a wide range of topics (Smoke, 2009, p.65). They include developing and sending out the press releases; this requires discretion and tactfulness in communication with the mass media. Readiness: Arriving properly and well equipped at the incident location and within the acceptable time limits is of utmost importance. He/she should check in according the guidelines set by the agency. The officer should determine the immediate staffing and the resources needed. Assessing the incident, its complexity and media interest is needed. He/she must gather additional supplies to support the efforts if need be. One more point here is