What is defined as a formal agreement between agencies to provide assistance?

The correct answer is mutual aid, which refers to a formal agreement between agencies to provide assistance to one another, often in times of emergency or disaster. This arrangement allows two or more organizations, typically within the public safety or emergency management sectors, to coordinate resources and services for a more effective response to incidents that exceed the capabilities of a single agency.

In mutual aid agreements, specific terms, conditions, and responsibilities are outlined, ensuring that all parties understand the support that will be provided and the procedures for deploying that support. This kind of formalized collaboration enhances interoperability between agencies and ensures that help can be mobilized quickly during critical incidents, thereby improving community safety and response outcomes.

While the other terms like cooperation, partnership, and collaboration may imply working together, they don't necessarily denote a formal agreement with the same legal and operational commitments as mutual aid does.