The Incident Command System is widely used throughout the United States by fire agencies, and is increasingly used by law enforcement, first responders, and other public safety applications, as well as for emergency and event management. The system was designed to provide clear lines of authority, clear objectives and clear communication.

Cousins Properties has incorporated the clear chain-of-command principle from the ICS in the role of the Incident Commander. The Incident Commander provides a single point of contact for those handling the emergency. The Incident Commander is responsible for making decisions and issuing commands on behalf of Cousins Properties Incorporated during the event.

The most senior member of the Cousins Properties team on site during the emergency is the Incident Commander. If there is no Cousins Properties team member on site, then the most senior contact security officer on site is temporarily the Incident Commander, until a Cousins Properties team member arrives on site.

The Incident Commander role is fluid and shifts to more senior personnel as they arrive on the scene during the course of an emergency.

The Incident Commander is subordinate to any local authorities upon their arrival, but he or she remains in charge of all Cousins Properties Incorporated activities. Above all, the Incident Commander has the responsibility to protect life and property.