The grant could provide up to $240,000.
Public information officers (PIOs) 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 other events. The most successful agencies in the field of corrections are those whose leadership address the expectations that stakeholders demand. Consistency, transparency, and the ability to communicate an agency's mission effectively inside and outside of the organization is paramount. In the absence of effective communication, misperception and misinformation often supersede the truth. Myths arise in the absence of facts and this void of information impedes the agency's ability to take charge and manage the outcome. Many correctional agencies engage with the media and stakeholders only when critical situations occur. Opportunities to share the good work, positive stories, and life-changing efforts of the agency are missed. Not building effective relationships with the media through positive stories before bad things happen can be detrimental. Effective organizations will have a clear purpose and goals that define their communication strategies. Building a positive rapport with the media, taking control of their message, humanizing the field of corrections, and engaging the community are just a few of the priorities that PIOs and communication directors should address.
