PIO BOOT CAMP
30 Classroom Hours
Course Outline

Registration For This Course

This course focuses on developing communication skills and an understanding of the news business for police, fire and public safety personnel empowered with managing and disseminating information to the public and news media.

PIO Boot Camp participants receive step-by-step direction and vital information on how to excel during media interviews and news conferences, at crime and fire scenes and in crisis and other critical situations where the public and news media have an interest in the situation and its outcome. 

Participants are trained to understand the workings of the news media on a local, regional and national level and its interaction with police, fire, public safety and other first responders. They learn to manage and disseminate critical and often sensitive information, understand the legal aspects and possible ramifications of the release of information. They also learn to  anticipate reporters' questions, tactics and perspectives while giving solid and effective answers. Participants learn how to execute useful departmental news releases and collateral materials.

This course includes a thorough understanding of the effect that good communications with the news media has on community and government relations, recruiting and other outreach programs as well as building alliances with other agencies. Participants learn their communications and relationships with the media often has an unexpected impact in the areas of personnel safety, community support, budgets, and more timely resolution of crimes and other incidents. Issues covered in the seminar lead to a better understanding of the department’s functions and its place in the community.

Attendees learn from the instructor's 'real world' experience, view and discuss critical video segments featuring police, fire and public safety officials from across the country interacting with news reporters
in a variety of scenarios. Finally, students participate in practical on-camera interviews and mock news conferences with “aggressive reporters” in simulated high profile situations. These intensive scenarios are designed to challenge students to use skills attained during the course to communicate effectively
in highly charged situations where easy answers and solutions are rarely available and 'real world' knowledge and experience is vital.

Officials from all police, fire, public safety and other municipal agencies are encouraged to attend for invaluable insight, information, networking and training credit.

PIO Boot Camp activities include high caliber media relations instruction, discussions and problem solving, video presentations, group learning with thought-provoking exercises and role-playing scenarios.

Materials include class handouts and case studies, visual aids and video taping of practicals, etc.