The Power of Two-Way Dialogue in Crisis Communications

In the world of on-line communications, the ability to interact effectively on social media is no longer optional—it’s essential. As public information officers (PIOs), our primary goal is to inform and reassure the public during times of uncertainty. One of the most powerful tools at our disposal is social media, but to truly harness …

The Importance of Hiring a Public Information Officers / Crisis Communications Expert in Law Enforcement Agencies

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, effective communication is not just an asset for law enforcement agencies—it’s a necessity. The role of a Public Information Officers / Crisis Communications expert in every law enforcement agency has never been more critical. Beyond simply disseminating information, these professionals serve as brand ambassadors, representing the agency’s values, integrity, …

Strengthening Communities: The Vital Role of Public Safety Agencies in Public Outreach and Education

In today’s dynamic society, public safety agencies play a crucial role not only in responding to emergencies but also in proactively engaging with the communities they serve. Establishing a community footprint through education, public outreach, and transparency is paramount in fostering trust, enhancing safety, and building stronger, more resilient neighborhoods. 
 
Building Trust through Education
Public safety …

The Growing Threat of Hackers on Social Media: Public Safety Accounts at Risk

In the age of digital communication, social media has become an integral tool for disseminating information, connecting with communities, and ensuring public safety. Public safety agencies, such as police departments, fire departments, and emergency services, have increasingly turned to social media platforms to keep the public informed during emergencies, disasters, and daily operations. However, …

Maui fire devastation.

Ensuring Effective Emergency Communication: Behind the Scenes as a Public Information Officer

In the realm of public safety, effective communication during emergencies is paramount. As a Public Information Officer (PIO), I am often asked about the procedures and policies related to the activation of emergency warning devices. Let’s delve into this topic, shedding light on our approach and addressing recent concerns that have arisen.

**Activating Emergency Warning …

The Art of Crisis Communication: Unveiling the Crucial Role of Public Speaking in High-Pressure Situations

Crisis communicators play a critical role in conveying information and maintaining calm during challenging and high-pressure situations. Effective public speaking is a vital skill for crisis communicators to ensure that their messages are clear, reassuring, and well-received by the public. Here’s an in-depth exploration of why strong public speaking skills are essential for crisis …

Dealing with a Boss Who Opposes Its Use During a Crisis or Disaster

In today’s digitally connected world, social media has become an essential tool for communication during times of crisis or disaster. However, not everyone in a position of authority may fully appreciate its value or understand its potential benefits. If you find yourself working under a supervisor or boss who does not support the use …

The Decline of Twitter: Implications for Government Agencies’ Emergency Communication with Constituents

Police, Fire, Corrections, Government, and other organizations, are having difficulty connecting with people in order to disseminate critical information after recent changes to Twitter.  Twitter has long been hailed as a powerful tool for governments and agencies to engage with constituents during emergency situations. However, recently Twitter has stopped allowing automatic feeds to websites …