Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) -- Immediate Response
Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) -- Immediate Response :
"Imminently serious conditions resulting from any civil emergency may require immediate action to save lives, prevent human suffering or mitigate property damage. When such conditions exist, and time does not permit approval from higher headquarters, local military commanders and responsible officials from DOD components and agencies are authorized to take necessary action to respond to requests from civil authorities. This response must be consistent with the Posse Comitatus Act 18 U.S.C. 1385), which generally prohibits Federal military personnel (and units of the National Guard under Federal authority) from acting in a law enforcement capacity (e.g., search, seizures, arrests) within the United States, except where expressly authorized by the Constitution or Congress". (DHS, Overview: ESF Support Annexes In Support of the NF, Sep 2007, p. 6)
