Department of Corrections: Public Information Officers and Communication Directors Master Trainer Course

Public Information Officers (PIO) and Communication Directors play an important role in correctional agencies. The public’s perception and / or lack of understanding of correctional operations can influence public safety, funding, elections, appointments, and numerous other factors. The most successful agencies in the field of corrections are those whose leadership master a comprehensive agenda to address the expectations that stakeholders demand. Consistency, transparency and the ability to effectively communicate mission inside and outside of the organization is paramount.  

In the absence of effective communication, perception and misinformation often supersede real issues. Myths arise in the absence of facts and this void of information further exacerbates the agency’s ability to take charge and manage the outcome. Additionally, many correctional agencies only engage with the media and stakeholders when critical situations occur. Opportunities to share the good work, positive stories, and life-changing efforts are consistently missed. Likewise, not building effective relationships with the media can be detrimental when bad things happen.

Effective organizations will have a clear purpose and goals that define their communication strategies. Building a positive rapport with the media, taking control of your message, humanizing the field of corrections, and engaging the community are just few of the priorities that should be addressed by PIOs and Communication Directors.

Federal, state departments of corrections (DOC), and large jails often have designated staff in a full time capacity to function in these roles. Small and medium sized local jails are less likely to have designated staff and very well could have the duties of a PIO / Communication Director as a collateral duty. With over 3200 local jails, 50 DOCs, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons the leadership, culture, missions, visons, values, and resources of each agency (jail or prison) will vary. Likewise, the experience and skill level of each participant could vary.

NIC welcomes applications that involve two or more entities; however, one eligible entity must be the applicant and the others must be proposed as sub-recipients. The applicant must be the entity with primary responsibility for administering the funding and managing the entire program.

NIC may elect to make awards for applications submitted under this solicitation in future fiscal years, dependent on the merit of the applications and on the availability of appropriations.

Public Information Officers (PIO) and Communication Directors play an important role in correctional agencies. The public’s perception and / or lack of understanding of correctional operations can influence public safety, funding, elections, appointments, and numerous other factors. The most successful agencies in the field of corrections are those whose leadership master a comprehensive agenda to address the expectations that stakeholders demand. Consistency, transparency and the ability to effectively communicate mission inside and outside of the organization is paramount.  

In the absence of effective communication, perception and misinformation often supersede real issues. Myths arise in the absence of facts and this void of information further exacerbates the agency’s ability to take charge and manage the outcome. Additionally, many correctional agencies only engage with the media and stakeholders when critical situations occur. Opportunities to share the good work, positive stories, and life-changing efforts are consistently missed. Likewise, not building effective relationships with the media can be detrimental when bad things happen.

Effective organizations will have a clear purpose and goals that define their communication strategies. Building a positive rapport with the media, taking control of your message, humanizing the field of corrections, and engaging the community are just few of the priorities that should be addressed by PIOs and Communication Directors.

Federal, state departments of corrections (DOC), and large jails often have designated staff in a full time capacity to function in these roles. Small and medium sized local jails are less likely to have designated staff and very well could have the duties of a PIO / Communication Director as a collateral duty. With over 3200 local jails, 50 DOCs, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons the leadership, culture, missions, visons, values, and resources of each agency (jail or prison) will vary. Likewise, the experience and skill level of each participant could vary.