The Liaison Officer (LNO) in the Incident Management System (IMS) plays a crucial role in managing and facilitating communication between the Incident Command/Unified Command and external agencies, organizations, or stakeholders that are involved or impacted by the incident. Here are the primary responsibilities of a Liaison Officer:
- Establishing Contact:
- Serves as the point of contact for representatives from assisting or cooperating agencies.
- Facilitates communication and coordination between the Incident Command and external agencies.
- Agency Representation:
- Represents the Incident Command with external stakeholders, ensuring that their concerns and offers of assistance are understood and addressed.
- Resource Coordination:
- Coordinates with supporting agencies to manage resource requests, ensuring the right resources are deployed to the incident efficiently.
- Information Sharing:
- Gathers, updates, and disseminates information to cooperating agencies and stakeholders to ensure alignment in incident objectives and strategies.
- Problem-Solving:
- Addresses and resolves conflicts or misunderstandings between agencies, acting as a mediator when necessary.
- Documentation and Reporting:
- Maintains records of all agency interactions and agreements made during the incident.
- Provides updates to the Incident Commander about the status of external agency coordination and resource availability.
- Participation in Planning:
- Attends incident planning meetings to understand objectives and ensure that agency coordination is in alignment with the overall incident strategy.
The Liaison Officer's role is particularly critical during complex incidents involving multiple jurisdictions, agencies, or private-sector partners, ensuring smooth collaboration and maximizing the effectiveness of the response.
All-hazard Liaison Officer Job Aid
Colorado All-Hazard Liaison Officer Position Task Book (Type 3)