What is the role of the Liaison Officer in an incident command structure?

The Liaison Officer plays a critical role in the incident command structure by serving as the principal point of contact for other agencies and stakeholders involved in the response. This role involves communicating and coordinating with various organizations that may have a stake in the incident, ensuring that important information flows freely between the Incident Command and external groups. The Liaison Officer helps facilitate collaboration, provides updates on the incident's status, and clarifies any expectations from different entities. By doing so, the Liaison Officer contributes significantly to maintaining a unified response effort and helps to establish strong inter-agency relations, which is crucial for effective incident management.