What does the concept of 'Unified Command' in ICS refer to?

The concept of 'Unified Command' in the Incident Command System (ICS) is designed to address incidents that involve multiple agencies or organizations. This collaborative approach allows various agencies to come together and work in coordination while maintaining their own organizational structure and jurisdictional responsibilities.

By adopting Unified Command, all participating agencies can share information, resources, and authority to develop a common set of objectives. This ensures a more efficient response to incidents that might exceed the capabilities or jurisdiction of a single agency, allowing them to operate under a shared command structure that enhances communication and decision-making.

This method enables diverse agencies to integrate their expertise and capabilities, resulting in a comprehensive and effective response strategy. By combining resources and knowledge, Unified Command helps manage the complexities of multi-agency incidents while ensuring that each agency's unique responsibilities are respected and included in the operational planning and execution.