What is the role of a Public Information Officer (PIO) during an incident?

The role of a Public Information Officer (PIO) during an incident is primarily focused on disseminating information to the media and the public. This position is crucial because it serves as the communication bridge between the incident response teams and the outside world. The PIO is responsible for ensuring that accurate, timely, and relevant information is shared to avoid misinformation and to keep the public informed about the situation, safety measures, and any instructions they need to follow.

In this role, the PIO gathers information from various sources within the incident command structure. They then craft messages that are clear and accessible for the media and the public. This helps to establish trust, reduce panic, and maintain public compliance with emergency directives. The PIO also fields questions from the media, providing updates and addressing concerns, thereby playing an essential part in managing the public perception of the incident response.

This choice reflects the PIO's vital function in crisis communication, distinguishing it from roles focused on tactical operations, coordination of response efforts, or medical duties, which are outside the PIO's scope of responsibility.