A PIOs Response to an Active Shooter

Monday of this week started out just like any other day.  Little did I know, a short 3 hours after beginning my day, the unthinkable would occur.  I often think, is today the day? Well, this past Monday was the day.  One of our local high schools, in our county, received a credible active …

Bridging Statements: Navigating Media Interviews with Confidence

Sheriff Mellinger (Ret.) being interviewed by media during a lost child search.

In my podcast last week, I discussed the importance of bridging Statements. I promised to write a blog to give more written information about bridging statements. In today’s media-driven world, interviews with the news media play a significant role in shaping public …

The Role of a Public Information Officer: A Commitment to Professionalism

Introduction:
Assuming the position of Public Information Officer (PIO) within an agency brings with it great responsibility and a significant time commitment. While your work hours may align with regular administrative schedules, the demands of this role transcend the conventional Monday-to-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM timeframe. In today’s world, where technology permeates our lives …