What type of command structure is required when an incident involves more than one jurisdictional agency?

In incidents involving multiple jurisdictional agencies, a unified command structure is essential. This approach ensures that representatives from each agency collaborate effectively, sharing resources, prioritizing tactics, and creating a cohesive strategy to manage the incident. By employing unified command, all involved parties can maintain clear communication and coordination, which helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the overall response is efficient and effective.

Unified command allows for the integration of multiple perspectives and expertise, allowing for more comprehensive situational assessment and resource allocation. It enhances the decision-making process, as all agencies participate equally and can weigh in on matters that affect their respective jurisdictions. This structure is particularly vital for large-scale incidents like wildfires, natural disasters, or major public safety emergencies, where the responsibilities and geography can overlap significantly among jurisdictions.

In contrast, a single command structure might restrict decision-making to one agency, potentially leading to miscommunication or conflict. Delegated command might not involve all agencies equally, and fixed command does not address the dynamic nature of incidents requiring multi-agency involvement. Thus, unified command is the most effective and appropriate structure for handling incidents with multiple jurisdictional agencies.