Policy Options to Address Crucial Communication Gaps in the Incident Command System
Loading...
Authors
Bushman, Edward
Subjects
Incident Command System
ICS
National Incident Management System
NIMS
Communications
ICS
National Incident Management System
NIMS
Communications
Advisors
Morag, Nadav
Date of Issue
2012-09
Date
Sep-12
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The Incident Command System (ICS) resulted from the need for a new approach to the problem of managing wildfires in the early 1970s. The events of September 11, 2001, led to issuing of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 5 requiring agencies to adopt ICS as their incident management system. However, in events of national significance since then, internal communications have not performed well, causing numerous response problems. In addition, public information systems have failed to meet the communitys expectations and keep the public informed about the size, scope, and impact of the emergency. Three models of possible solutions for addressing the problem were assessed. Model 1 consists of expanding the Communications Unit within the Logistics Section. Model 2 expands and clearly defines the duties, roles and responsibilities of the Public Information Officer. Model 3 merges all communications functions into one section directly under the Incident Commander. Metrics were designed around the management characteristics of the ICS and were assessed utilizing a defined scale. The research found that the creation of the Communication Section would provide the most benefits towards improving communications. However, that model may be difficult to implement due to resistance to strategic change.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Security Studies
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.