The Evolving PIO - Reading Summary 5 - Ashley Burningham

 

Reference:

Wilmoth, J. (2013). Put the PIO Back in the Public, Fire Chief, 57(6), 6.

Theme:

With the decline in fire calls, the role of the PIO has been expanded to include community outreach and external affairs.

Summary:

·         - Less than 5% of community members will call 911 in their lifetime.

        - Role of PIO has been evolving quietly.

·         - Generally, PIO is a liaison between an incident commander and the media.

·         - They provided information updates on cases.

·         - Number of fire calls has declined.

·         - Agencies are beginning to expand PIO roles to community outreach or external affairs.

·         - "Earlier this year, the International Association of Fire Chiefs' Fire Service Image Task Force issued the report "Taking Responsibility for a Positive Public Perception" in response to increasing scrutiny and public perception."

·        - Problem is perception, not trust.

·         - Fire chief is ultimately responsible for public perception.

·         - Role delegated to PIOs.

·        - PIOs are used to increase public perception of an organization.

·        - PIOs are used to establish relationships with local media and community.

·        - PIOs connect with other PIOs for ideas.

·        - Used to raise awareness of services provided.

·        - PIOs promoting an image.

·        - Fire calls will continue to decline.

·        - Community will support agencies that support them.

Application to Lesson:

This week's lesson talked about the role of the PIO. This article discusses the evolving role of the PIO in today's society, and discusses how their job has been stretched to involve new components.

Application to Career:

Public Information Officers are a crucial component to law enforcement. They are in charge with relaying information to the public. Whether this information is about a crime, officer safety, resources, etc., the PIO is responsible for coordinating these efforts.