GAO recommends improvements for DHS Office of Emergency Communications

A review of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Office of Emergency Communications (OEC) by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the office could improve upon its communication methods with stakeholders.

The OEC offers a range of services and assistance to first responders to support interoperable communications systems and technologies. It collaborates with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on grant guidance to help public-safety stakeholders use federal funds for interoperable emergency communications. The recent review by the GAO found that OEC’s and FEMA’s efforts related to interagency collaboration are generally effective and align with GAO’s leading practices. For example, standard operating procedures are spelled out and respective responsibilities are defined. Further, public-safety organizations and statewide interoperability coordinators (SWIC) were generally satisfied with OEC’s communication efforts, GAO found.

However, some SWIC and public-safety representatives said the OEC could improve its methods of communication. For example, 26 of the 54 SWICs who responded to the GAO’s survey said the OEC could use additional tools or approaches, such as social media, to improve communications. Further, some respondents reported that they had missed training because they did not know about them. The GAO report discovered that OEC had not assessed its methods of communication, thus it may not be providing information on training opportunities, workshops, and other emergency communications information most effectively.

The GAO recommends that OEC should assess its methods of communication to help ensure it is using the appropriate tools in communicating with stakeholders. The DHS agreed with the recommendation.