WHEREAS, law enforcement requires reliable command and control structures to deploy resources, to communicate and share information securely, to mitigate risks and threats, and to respond to emergencies, and after-action reports at many recent all-hazard incidents continue to document communications gaps; and

WHEREAS, all public safety disciplines acknowledge the fire service’s leadership in developing National Incident Command System (NIMS), and Incident Command System (ICS), that have become the national model for organizing resources using older voice radio and voice telephone technology; and

WHEREAS, since adoption in 2007 of NIMS/ICS law enforcement has expanded non-voice communication beyond public safety networks, increasing dependence on commercial wireless networks operating on open architecture; injecting a risk of cyber-attack to systems, networks, and platforms; and requiring support staff with advanced information technical skills and cybersecurity abilities; and

WHEREAS, most police agencies lack staff with specialized, perishable skills on information technology (IT) and cybersecurity of non-voice wireless networks, therefore lacking staff to serve as Information Technology Services Unit Leaders (ITSL); and

WHEREAS, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with support of SAFECOM and National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC) assembled a consortium of subject matter experts known as Incident Communications Advisory Council (ICAC), which developed recommended changes to NIMS/ICS including adding positions, revising training curriculum, and re-alignment of communications, and Information Technology by adding a Services Unit, Branch or Section to ICS structure. Now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police supports the work of Incident Communications Advisory Council (ICAC) and agrees in concept with its final report to include

• Information Technology (IT) in Incident Command System (ICS)
• Creating an Information Technology Services Unit, Branch, or Section staffed by ITSL
• Elevating Communications Units and Information Technology within ICS structure to be a separate but equal unit within the Logistics Section; or
• Elevating the Communications Service Unit to a section with IT in that section; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that IACP supports the Incident Communications Advisory Council (ICAC) in its efforts to work through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to achieve the goal of recognizing Information Technology Services Unit and Communications Unit at elevated levels/stature within the Incident Command System (ICS) to reflect their unique and critical importance within ICS; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IACP recommends the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) review and bring about revisions to the Incident Command System (ICS) recommended by Incident Command Advisory Council (ICAC), including creating an Information Technology Services Unit, and consider elevating the Communications Unit to a section thereby recognizing current technologies and cybersecurity threats and additionally to direct development of skills and training necessary to address all-hazards communication needs within the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Submitted by: Communications & Technology Committee

CTC.29.19