Unified Command (ICS)
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In Incident Command System, a Unified Command is one way to carry out command in which responding agencies and/or jurisdictions with responsibility for the incident share incident management.
A Unified Command may be needed for incidents involving:
- Multiple jurisdictions.
- A single jurisdiction with multiple agencies sharing responsibility.
- Multiple jurisdictions with multi-agency involvement.
If a Unified Command is needed, Incident Commanders representing agencies or jurisdictions that share responsibility for the incident manage the response from a single Incident Command Post. A Unified Command allows agencies with different legal, geographic, and functional authorities and responsibilities to work together effectively without affecting individual agency authority, responsibility, or accountability. Under a Unified Command, a single, coordinated Incident Action Plan will direct all activities. The Incident Commanders will supervise a single Command and General Staff organization and speak with one voice.
