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Reference.org
Unified command (ICS)
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<p>In the <a href="/facts/Incident_Command_System/UBzgNhTL">Incident Command System</a>, a unified command is an authority structure in which the role of incident commander is shared by two or more individuals, each already having authority in a different responding agency. Unified command is one way to carry out <a href="/facts/National_Incident_Management_System/mePBd9l6">command</a> in which responding agencies and/or jurisdictions with responsibility for the incident share incident management. </p><p>A unified command may be needed for incidents involving multiple jurisdictions or agencies. </p><p>If a unified command is needed, <a href="/facts/Incident_commander/37VNvyPu">incident commanders</a> representing agencies or jurisdictions that share responsibility for the incident manage the response from a single <a href="/facts/Incident_command_post/CvECaqh4">incident command post</a>. 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 <a href="/facts/Incident_command_system/UBzgNhTL">incident action plan</a> will direct all activities. The incident commanders will supervise a single <a href="/facts/Incident_command_system/UBzgNhTL">command</a> and <a href="/facts/Incident_command_system/UBzgNhTL">general staff</a> organization and speak with one voice. </p>