Preparing and responding.

The Incident Command System (ICS) is a concept that drives how incidents, events, and emergencies are handled at all levels of response. ICS thrives on managing the situation by embracing and meeting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timebound) objectives. ICS is a component within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) that is a standardized organizational structure for managing incidents. NIMS is a national standard by which agencies (law, fire, medical), communities (non-profit organizations, faith based organizations), and civilians (community response members) can prepare for and respond to incidents, events, and emergencies. NIMS provides a standard, yet flexible, framework that is applicable across all phases of incident management and can be used for any sized incident, event, or emergency.

Law enforcement is often a key component when responding to an incident, event or emergency. Understanding the why (why we use ICS, why ICS works, why is law enforcement included in this effort) and what (what is our role, what can we expect, what is the next step), can greatly enhance how law enforcement agencies operate and respond to a situation.

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