Which type of call is usually handled by the Public Information Officer (PIO)?

Which type of call is usually handled by the Public Information Officer (PIO)?

• A. Local or regional protocols
• B. Emergency or medical calls
• C. Nonemergency or complaint calls
• D. Preincident or postincident surveys

Answer: (C)

Public Information Officers are responsible for communicating with the public and the media about incidents. They handle nonemergency or complaint calls because these are questions about safety information, incident status, and how to file concerns that can be answered without diverting resources from urgent response. That leaves emergencies to dispatch and responders who are actively handling the incident. Planning and after-action surveys are separate tasks used for preparedness and evaluation, not routine inquiries.

Public Information Officers are responsible for communicating with the public and the media about incidents. They handle nonemergency or complaint calls because these are questions about safety information, incident status, and how to file concerns that can be answered without diverting resources from urgent response. That leaves emergencies to dispatch and responders who are actively handling the incident. Planning and after-action surveys are separate tasks used for preparedness and evaluation, not routine inquiries.