Unified Command (ICS)
Encyclopedia
In the 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 or agencies.
If a Unified Command is needed, Incident Commander
s 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.
Incident Command System
The Incident Command System is "a systematic tool used for the command, control, and coordination of emergency response" according to the United States Federal Highway Administration...
, 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 or agencies.
If a Unified Command is needed, Incident Commander
Incident Commander
The incident commander is the person responsible for all aspects of an emergency response; including quickly developing incident objectives, managing all incident operations, application of resources as well as responsibility for all persons involved. The incident commander sets priorities and...
s representing agencies or jurisdictions that share responsibility for the incident manage the response from a single Incident Command Post
Incident command post
According to the National Incident Management System , and the Incident Command System , the Incident Command Post is one of five predesignated temporary facilities and signifies the physical location of the tactical-level, on-scene incident command and management organization...
. 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.