By Todd Harmeson
One of the most interesting conversations I have with organizational leaders revolves around a simple question:
When your organization posts on social media, who are you posting for?
Is your audience your employees, or is it your followers?
For many organizations, this question creates more debate than you might expect. A business, nonprofit, government agency, …
Social Media Can Build Trust—or Destroy It in Minutes: Does Your Agency Have a Plan?
By Todd “ThePioGuy” Harmeson
For decades, public safety agencies controlled the flow of information. If something happened, the media called the agency, a spokesperson responded, and information was released through traditional channels.
Today, those days are gone.
Social media has fundamentally changed how …
The recent mass layoffs at WRTV aren’t just a media story… they’re a warning sign for every organization that depends on the public hearing their message.
As someone who has worked in public safety communications for more than three decades, I’ve watched the communication landscape completely change. What we are seeing right now with newsroom …
In an era dominated by instant communication, social media, and rapidly evolving digital platforms, some leaders question whether the traditional press release still holds value in law enforcement communication strategies. The answer is clear: not only does the professional press release remain relevant, it has become even more important as agencies work to maintain …
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 …
Information Is Infrastructure: Why Public Communication Strategy Has Become a Core Function of Municipal Leadership
By Todd “ThePioGuy” Harmeson
The Next Major Incident May Not Start With Sirens — It May Start With a Screen
For decades, emergency management planning has focused on physical threats—fires, storms, hazardous materials incidents, and acts of violence. Today, however, one of …
The Joint Information Center Is Vital in Today’s Information-Overload Society
In today’s 24/7 information environment, the public no longer waits for facts to be fully confirmed before forming opinions or taking action. Social media, live-streamed events, breaking news alerts, and citizen journalism have fundamentally reshaped how information is consumed during emergencies. For Public Information Officers …
Leveraging AI for Stronger Community Connections: A New Era for Public Information Officers
By Todd “The PIO Guy” Harmeson
Public Information Officers (PIOs) stand at the crossroads of communication, public safety, and community trust.
As technology evolves, citizens expect immediate, transparent, and accessible information from …
On November 12, 2025, the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department faced one of the most devastating events any law enforcement agency can experience. Corporal Reynolds was tragically killed in the line of duty on Interstate 69. In the hours and days that followed, the department was thrust into a complex and emotional balance of honoring …
The Role of a Public Information Officer: Building Trust Beyond the Screen
In today’s fast-paced world of instant communication and social media, it’s easy to assume that the Public Information Officer (PIO) role begins and ends behind a computer screen. But for those who truly understand the heart of public service, the job of a …