LCSO Chief Deputy Zac Frye competed the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s “Master PIO” Program this week, hosted by the Youngsville (NC.) Police Department.
The Master PIO (public information officer) Course is the second class of a two-series course that is aimed at preparing participants for crisis communications, with a focus on building a transparent communications plan and sharing information in a timely manner within our communities.
“We have seen, and learned valuable lessons from major crisis incidents all over the country where law enforcement remained silent in times of crisis and uncertainty, and it’s brought to light the immediate need for training and policies that prepare us to speak to our community, speak to our media partners, so that we are able to deliver accurate information.”, said Sheriff Jimmy Davis. “We have partnered with FBI-LEEDA as one of our training partners with the goal of preparing our PIO’s to handle a crisis, to engage with the community through social media and to provide a transparent message when needed most.”, said Davis.
In addition to Frye’s Master PIO completion, LCSO currently has two additional PIO’s who have completed the FBI LEEDA Basic PIO course, so that in significant crisis moments there are an adequate number of trained communicators available to work with the media, the community and victims and first responders while providing 24-hour access to our communications team.
Congratulations, Chief Frye on your completion of this valuable training and thank you to our team of professionals who have taken on the additional responsibilities in order to add to the capabilities of our agency – you’re hard work and commitment does not go unnoticed!
