adopt the Incident Command System (ICS).When multiple agencies
or multiple jurisdictions are involved, they should adopt a unified
command. Both are proven frameworks for emergency response. We
strongly support the decision that federal homeland security funding
will be contingent, as of October 1, 2004, upon the adoption and reg-
ular use of ICS and unified command procedures. In the future, the
Department of Homeland Security should consider making funding
contingent on aggressive and realistic training in accordance with ICS
and unified command procedures.
jurisdictions have established mutual aid compacts, a serious obstacle to multi-
jurisdictional response has been the lack of indemnification for mutual-aid
responders in areas such as the National Capital Region.
develop a regional focus within the emergency responder community and pro-
mote multi-jurisdictional mutual assistance compacts. Where such compacts
already exist, training in accordance with their terms should be required. Con-
gress should pass legislation to remedy the long-standing indemnification and
liability impediments to the provision of public safety mutual aid in the
National Capital Region and where applicable throughout the nation.
tiple agencies and multiple jurisdictions responded. The occurrence of this
problem at three very different sites is strong evidence that compatible and ade-
quate communications among public safety organizations at the local, state, and
federal levels remains an important problem.
which provides for the expedited and increased assignment of radio
spectrum for public safety purposes. Furthermore, high-risk urban
areas such as New York City and Washington, D.C., should establish
signal corps units to ensure communications connectivity between
and among civilian authorities, local first responders, and the
National Guard. Federal funding of such units should be given high
priority by Congress.
The mandate of the Department of Homeland Security does not end with
government; the department is also responsible for working with the private