How should state and local governments coordinate their command and response structures when an attack occurs? How can federal agencies best be used to assist state and local authorities in preparing for and responding to terrorist threats?

The Viability of Recommended Command and Response Structures

In the National Response Framework, the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourages the creation of state and local response and incident command structures. FEMA also recommends the adoption of a joint federal, state, and local unified coordination staff configuration. These recommendations represent a concerted effort to establish nationwide response and recovery protocols and structures.

Absent the adoption of nationally accepted protocols and command structures, the administrative complexities of coordinating command and response measures could become disjointed following terrorist events. For these reasons, recommended procedures under the National Response Framework are a crucial resource for state and local authorities to create coordinated protocols.

Discussion Questions:

How should state and local governments coordinate their command and response structures when an attack occurs?
How can federal agencies best be used to assist state and local authorities in preparing for and responding to terrorist threats?
What is an acceptable degree of federal supervision of and intervention in state and local configuration of their command and response structures?

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