Define "Unified Command" in ICS.

Unified Command in the Incident Command System (ICS) refers to a structure designed to enable multiple agencies or jurisdictions to share command responsibilities during an incident. This approach allows for collaborative decision-making and ensures that all parties involved can effectively contribute their expertise, resources, and response capabilities.

The key aspect of Unified Command is that it helps to integrate the efforts of agencies that may have different authorities, objectives, or operational mandates, fostering a more cohesive response. Instead of one agency overseeing the entire operation, Unified Command ensures that each participating entity has a voice in the command process, leading to more comprehensive and coordinated incident management.

By recognizing the contributions of different agencies, Unified Command improves the overall effectiveness of the response and helps to maintain a clear communication flow among all stakeholders involved in the incident. This structure is particularly important in complex incidents that require multi-jurisdictional collaboration, ensuring that efforts are not duplicated and resources are optimized.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the concept of Unified Command. For example, focusing on funding sources or evaluating response effectiveness does not encompass the collaborative leadership aspect that defines Unified Command. Additionally, the idea of one agency making all decisions contradicts the very premise of unified command, which promotes shared leadership.