Crisis Communication Begins Long Before the Crisis: Why Preparation Defines Leadership Performance Under Pressure

By Todd “ThePioGuy” Harmeson
In today’s information environment, crisis communication is no longer simply a public relations function. It has become a core leadership responsibility. The speed at which information travels, the rise of social media influence, the increase in misinformation, and growing public expectations for transparency have fundamentally changed what is expected of organizational …

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The Role of Public Relations in Public Safety: Building Trust Through Transparency and Community Engagement

In today’s fast-paced world, public safety agencies across America face increasing scrutiny from the communities they serve. Whether law enforcement, fire services, or emergency management, the need for transparency and proactive communication has never been greater. Public relations (PR) is no longer an optional tool for these agencies—it is an essential strategy for building …

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 …

Guesting Speaking at the Indiana Chapter of APCO Conference.

Being a guest speaker at the Indiana Chapter of APCO (Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials) conference in Indianapolis on Thursday was a fantastic experience. I had the privilege to address a group of communication specialists deeply involved in public safety and emergency communication. My presentation centered around the critical role of social media in …

Top 16 Tips for Law Enforcement when using Facebook

Using social media platforms like Facebook can be an effective way for police departments to engage with their constituents and enhance community relationships. Here are some important tips to consider when using Facebook for communication:

1. **Be Transparent and Authentic:**
Maintain transparency in your communication. Be genuine and authentic in your posts, responses, and interactions. Building …

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 …

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