LEIC Develops Public Information Officer Certification

Featured photo: Employees from the Tennessee Department of Correction participated in the first course for public information officers held in November 2022.

In the event of a community emergency, residents often want to hear what’s going on from the first responders. Realizing this, the UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center leadership developed a 40-hour Master Public Information Officer Certification.

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission-approved course is for law enforcement personnel who serve as public information officers (PIO) or command staff who, in the event of an incident, address the public through media platforms. PIOs interact with the public through media releases or press conferences. They also work to positively represent their agencies through social media platforms.

The Master Public Information Officer Certification is the first university-based program of its kind. Through pre-work, instruction, networking and a group project, participants discuss writing, agency branding, social media, emotional intelligence and how to communicate to the public through a crisis.

Tennessee Language Center Active in Disaster Ambassador Program

The Tennessee Language Center (TLC) continues to play an instrumental role in developing a disaster ambassador program for Nashville’s immigrant population.

In partnership with the Nashville Mayor’s Office of New Americans and the Tennessee Office of Emergency Management, TLC is working with cultural ambassadors in the various immigrant populations in the Nashville area. The overall goal of the program is to better communicate disaster alerts and resources with immigrant populations in the aftermath of a disaster.

CPM Program Projects Result in $200 Million Economic Impact

Thirty-two employees from city, state and county governments as well as UT recently graduated from the Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership’s Certified Public Manager (CPM) program.

A requirement for all participants of the CPM program is to complete a capstone project that is focused on making changes or improvements in their organizations and/or communities. The economic impact from this cohort’s capstone projects totaled more than $200 million. Examples of the projects include increasing outdoor recreation activities for minorities in the Knoxville area and the development of a marina in Savannah.