The CIMS Functions

In establishing and reviewing the response structure, the Controller will determine which subfunctions apply to their situation and needs. Some sub-functions may be established or combined (or combined with the sub-functions of other functions), or some new ones may be added.

The CIMS functions do not represent a default response structure — depending on the incident classification and objectives some functions may not be required and some functions may be combined or condensed or even amended to suit the requirements. They can be carried out by a single person or by teams of dedicated personnel. The functions that are required are then represented in the response structure.

While all the CIMS functions report to the Controller, they operate in a networked approach with each other. For instance, all the functions need to be involved in Planning, Intelligence needs input from all the functions, Logistics supports the resource requirements of all the functions, Operations tasks all the functions and receives implementation reports from them, etc. 

Functions are identified by colours and text on vests, nametags or armbands. The identification colours and responsibilities for each of the functions are summarised as follows:

Function	Color	Responsibilities
Control	White	Controls and coordinates the response.
	Red	Controller’s Support.
Safety	Green	Advises on measures to minimise risks to response personnel.
Intelligence	Dark Blue	Collects and analyses information and produces intelligence related to context, impacts, consequences and forecasts.
Planning	Pink	Plans for response activities and resource needs.
Operations	Orange	Tasks, coordinates and tracks execution of the Action Plan.
Logistics	Yellow	Provides personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities and services to support response activities.
Public Information Management	Purple	Develops and delivers messages to the public and liaises with the impacted community. Develops messaging for Governance when Strategic Communications is not activated.
Welfare	Light Blue	Ensures planned, coordinated and effective delivery of welfare services to affected individuals, families/whānau and communities, including animals.
Recovery	Grey	Starts the recovery management process during the initial response phase and ensures the recovery process is integrated with the response.