Department of Labor Seal photos representing the workforce - digital imageryŠ copyright 2001 photodisc, inc.
Department of Labor Seal www.osha.gov   [skip navigational links] Search    Advanced Search | A-Z Index

eTools Home : Incident Command System (ICS) Viewing / Printing Instructions | Credits
Incident Command SystemIncident Command SystemIncident Command SystemIncident Command SystemIncident Command System



Information Officer

The following sections provide information on this position: Related Information:


Information Officer


Information Officer - General
The Information Officer - (IO) is responsible for developing and releasing information about the incident to the news media, to incident personnel, and to other appropriate agencies and organizations.

Only one IO will be assigned for each incident, including incidents operating under Unified Commander (UC) and multi-jurisdiction incidents. The IO may have assistants as necessary, and the assistants may also represent assisting agencies or jurisdictions. The Joint Information Center (JIC) Manual should be reviewed regarding the organization and duties of the IO.




Information Officer - Specific Responsibilities
Debriefing Agencies have different policies and procedures relative to the handling of public information. The following are the major responsibilities of the IO, which would generally apply on any incident. The major responsibilities of the IO are:
  • Review Common Responsibilities

  • Determine from the Incident Command (IC) if there are any limits on information release.

  • Develop material for use in media briefings.

  • Obtain IC approval of media releases.

  • Inform media and conduct media briefings.

  • Arrange for tours and other interviews or briefings that may be required.

  • Obtain media information that may be useful to incident planning.

  • Maintain current information summaries and/or displays on the incident and provide information on the status of the incident to assigned personnel.

  • Maintain Unit/Activity Log (ICS Form 214, 5 KB PDF).

 
| About the Incident Command System (ICS)/Unified Command (UC) | Planning and Preparation |
| Implementation | Safety Aspects | Additional Information |

Quick links: | Organizational Chart | National Response Concept of Response |
| ICS Unit Guide | ICS Position Task Book | ICS Forms | Sample Map |

eTools Home : Incident Command System (ICS) Viewing / Printing Instructions | Credits


Back to Top Back to Top www.osha.gov www.dol.gov

Contact Us | Freedom of Information Act | Customer Survey
Privacy and Security Statement | Disclaimers
Occupational Safety & Health Administration
200 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20210