Kentucky State Police Academy

The Public Affairs Officer in-service will identify the public information officer's (PAO) role in planning for, developing, and delivering emergency public information. This course can also serve as an introduction to the role of new PAOs or to allow people with non-PAO roles to gain an understanding of how strategic communications impact critical incidents. Students can expect to spend significant time developing skills needed to be a full or part-time PAO. These skills are developed through written and oral communication exercises. Students will learn how to understand the workings of the media and develop tools and techniques to perform effectively as a PAO. Students will explore how critical incidents necessitate interactions with multiple agencies and departments and how to incorporate those into the incident management activities at the command and coordination levels. In a multi-agency response, several PAO’s may be required to interact with and manage personnel and information during the event by handling additional coordination and planning roles. Students will learn the importance of community engagement and education to meet the mission and goals of the Kentucky State Police. Strategies for community outreach, partnerships and engagement will be introduced. This will include marketing outreach projects through public dissemination of information, social media and digital media. Students will receive instruction in use and handling of agency education display assets including the safe transport of those displays.