Why is a national credentialing system necessary?
A national credentialing system will improve the methods, capabilities and coordination of emergency responders to deal with domestic incidents. Mandated by NIMS and in accord with Homeland Security Presidential Directive – 5, Management of Domestic Incidents, this initiative will allow quick and accurate verification of emergency responders’ identities and qualifications. Incidents such the Oklahoma City Bombing, the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and the recent responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita highlight the need for a national system to verify the qualifications and identity of emergency responders. A national credentialing system will not provide automatic access to an incident site. In fact, it can serve to prevent unauthorized (i.e., self-dispatched or unqualified personnel) access to an incident and help maintain perimeter control of and access to that incident, while ensuring that those requested to respond to an incident meet
