08-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County | Base Plan 48 4.3.1 PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER PIOs are key members of ICS and EOC organizations, and they frequently work closely with senior officials represented in policy groups. If the PIO position is staffed at both the ICP and a supporting EOC, the PIOs maintain close contact through pre-established JIS protocols. PIOs advise the IC, unified command (UC), or EOC director on public information matters relating to the management of the incident. PIOs also handle inquiries from the media, the public, and elected officials; public information and warnings, rumor monitoring, and response; and media relations and other functions needed to gather, verify, coordinate, and disseminate accurate, accessible, and timely information. Information on public health, safety, and protection is of particular importance. The PIO also monitors the media and other sources of public information and transmits relevant information to the appropriate personnel at the incident, EOC, and/or in a policy group. The Ramsey County Manager has assigned the Director of Communications to serve as the County PIO, responsible for all County public information activities. The County PIO is supported by departmental PIOs as dictated by the type of incident. For example, Saint Paul Ramsey County Public Health has a designated PIO who will coordinate public information activities for that department and provide expertise during any public health incidents. At the municipal level, each city manager or mayor has assigned a PIO for their jurisdiction. Municipal departments may also have departmental PIOs, who would work alongside the municipal PIO during large incidents. Each municipal fire service and law enforcement agency in Ramsey County have appointed PIOs who provide services on a regular basis for daily calls and during times of emergency. 4.3.2 JOINT INFORMATION CENTER The JIC is a location (physical or virtual) that houses JIS operations, where personnel with public information responsibilities perform essential information and public affairs functions. The PIO prepares public information releases for the IC, UC, EOC director, or policy group clearance. This helps ensure consistent messages, avoid the release of conflicting information, and prevent adverse impacts on operations. Jurisdictions and organizations may issue releases related to their policies, procedures, programs, and capabilities; however, these should be coordinated with the incident-specific JICs. 4.3.2.1 Physical Locations JICs may be established as standalone coordination entities, at incident sites, or as components of EOCs. Depending on the needs of the incident, an incident-specific JIC may be established at an on-scene location in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies or at the national level if the situation warrants it. 4.3.2.2 Virtual Operation The JIC may operate in a remote or virtual mode as well, or can be operated in a hybrid manner, as JIC staff do not necessarily need to be physically located in the JIC to perform work functions. JIC work location is determined at the discretion of the EOC PIO.