What is one of the roles of the Liaison Officer in the command staff?

The Liaison Officer plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and cooperation between the incident command structure and external agencies or organizations. This position is specifically designed to ensure that any relevant information and resources from outside agencies are effectively integrated into the incident response efforts. By serving as the main point of contact, the Liaison Officer can help streamline collaboration, which is vital for achieving a unified response and addressing the needs that may arise from the involvement of multiple jurisdictions or organizations.

This role also encompasses maintaining a continuous flow of information regarding agency resources and capabilities, which is essential for decision-making and operational efficiency during an incident. In addition to external communication, the Liaison Officer provides updates and feedback to the Incident Commander about the activities and expectations of partner agencies, assisting in overall situational awareness and promoting a cohesive response strategy.