NCJ Number
189235
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 88-90,92,94-96,97
Date Published
June 2001
Length
8 pages
Annotation
After examining the threat of terrorists using biological weapons, this article recommends a strategy for police departments to use in preparing to meet such a threat.
Abstract
To date, most terrorists have shied away from using biological weapons, largely because explosives are more readily available and require little expert knowledge for their use. Biological weapons require some specialized knowledge, and deploying a bio-weapon effectively can be difficult. Unlike a bomb threat or even the use of a chemical weapon, the deployment of a biological weapon may not be discovered for several days; and, in a case such as anthrax, by the time symptoms are evident and it has been determined that a biological weapon has been used, it may be too late to help the victims. Law enforcement's role as a first responder will vary, depending on the agent used and whether the release is overtly or covertly done. If it is an overt event, then law enforcement will respond immediately. If it is covert, law enforcement comes in later and is responsible for investigating the incident. Police officers must have sufficient knowledge about bio-weapons to know how to react, to ascertain whether the agent is transmittable, and to determine the appropriate agencies to contact. Officers must be aware of the differing and cooperative roles of law enforcement, public health, and emergency response agencies. Police officers must also be trained in appropriate safety measures in responding to such incidents.