NCJ Number
222111
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 77 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2008 Pages: 1-6
Date Published
March 2008
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes law-enforcement community development of response capability for major weapons of mass destruction (WMD) emergencies.
Abstract
This article describes necessary plan considerations for law enforcement executives, including: assessment; response; containment and protection; assistance and investigation; crisis management; Unified Command; media contact; special concerns; and recommendations for actions. A major catastrophe caused by the criminal use of a WMD may well prove beyond the capability of any police agency to handle without the assistance of many law enforcement organizations, public safety departments, other government services, and the private sector. Law enforcement executives must anticipate and plan for the meaningful utilization of available personnel and resources prior to any terrorist-driven WMD event to ensure an effective response. The possibility of a terrorist attack using weapons of mass distraction poses a challenge unlike any other facing today's law enforcement profession. Beyond dealing with the death and destruction brought about by such an event, agencies must ensure the safety and survival of the personnel and their families. Those charged with responding to a WMD incident cannot perform at their highest level of effectiveness if they're concerned about the fate of their loved ones. These issues represent a view of the many difficulties that law enforcement executives must consider in fulfilling their sworn responsibility of safeguarding the public. With properly implemented response plans and combined efforts with other public safety entities, however, they can successfully repel any attempt to terrorize the citizens of their communities. Endnotes