JICs

Joint Information Centers, or JICs, are temporary facilities used during emergencies to coordinate public information across multiple agencies. They bring together public information officers from local, state, federal, tribal, and non-governmental organizations to produce and deliver authoritative, consistent messages to the public and media.

The primary mission of a JIC is to provide timely, accurate, and accessible information about an incident, including protective actions, risk reminders, and status updates. JICs also handle media briefings, manage inquiries from the public, correct rumors, and coordinate messaging across traditional and social media to avoid conflicting information.

In practice, a JIC is typically staffed by a JIC Manager or Incident Public Information Officer who leads a team of communicators under established operating procedures. It operates within the Incident Command System framework and relies on a joint communications plan with pre-approved message points. The JIC is often co-located with the Emergency Operations Center or operates in a nearby facility, ensuring close coordination with incident command and other liaison roles.

Location and duration vary; JICs can be set up quickly in response to evolving risks and may remain active for the duration of a response and transition to recovery messaging as appropriate. Demobilization occurs when information needs are met and routine communication channels resume normal operations.

Benefits of JICs include coordinated messaging, reduced misinformation, and improved public trust. Challenges can include interagency coordination, resource constraints, and ensuring accessibility across languages and communities. See also: Public Information Officer, Emergency Operations Center, Incident Command System.