LIAISON OFFICER (LOFR)

Incidents that are multi-jurisdictional, or have several organizations involved, may require the establishment of the LOFR position on the Command Staff. Only one primary LOFR will be assigned for each incident, including incidents operating under UC and multi-jurisdiction incidents. The LOFR is assigned to the incident to be primary coordinator for the liaison network, including Assisting and Cooperating AREPs (Agency Representatives).

The LOFR is a conduit of information and assistance between organizations and does not normally have delegated authority to make decisions on matters affecting an organization's participation in the incident; however, the IC/UC may assign additional responsibilities or authorities to the LOFR in order to effectively manage complex incidents. Due to the complexity or scope of the incident, the LOFR may require one or more Assistant Liaison Officers (ALOFs) in the ICP (Incident Command Post) or field in order to maintain a manageable span of control. The ALOF is a representative of the UC and is not a representative of any specific organization. 

 
GRAND ISLE, La. - Lt. Cmdr. Antoinette Bangs, a liaison officer with the Grand Isle incident command post, explains the application of Cherrington beach cleaners on the Grand Isle beach, Aug. 7, 2010.

The major responsibilities of the LOFR are:

1. Serve as the primary coordinator for the liaison network, including AREPs and state, tribal, and local governments.
2. Maintain a list of Assisting and Cooperating AREPs, including name, agency, and contact information. Monitor check-in sheets daily to ensure that AREPs are identified.
3. Assist in establishing and coordinating interagency contacts.
4. Participate in Command and General Staff Meetings, Planning Meetings, Operations Briefings, and other meetings and briefings as required.
5. Assist in the development of the Information Management Plan.
6. Develop stakeholder coordination plan, including periodic public meeting schedules, if needed.
7. Implement the Information Management Plan.
8. Keep organizations supporting the incident response aware of incident status.
9. Arrange consultations with federally recognized tribes as appropriate.
10. Monitor incident operations to identify current or potential intra-organizational problems.