NCJ Number
224613
Journal
THE POLICE CHIEF Volume: 75 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 142-143,145-147,149,151-152,155,156
Date Published
October 2008
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article describes Federal and State efforts to develop a cooperative policy and structure for detecting dangerous radiological materials, with a focus on efforts in New York State.
Abstract
In 2005, the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office (DNDO) was established by presidential directive for the purpose of having a single accountable office with the responsibility of developing the global nuclear detection architecture and supporting a domestic detection system capable of preventing a radiological or nuclear attack from occurring on American soil. As part of its multipronged mission, the DNDO established a pilot initiative called Securing the Cities (STC), which is designed to increase radiation detection and response capabilities for the highest-risk U.S. urban areas. The first pilot region chosen for STC was the region surrounding New York City. The STC is designed to enlist the aid of regional law enforcement agencies around major cities in order to push radiation detection beyond these cities’ borders. One of the agencies involved in the STC initiative is the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), whose jurisdiction is on Long Island, approximately 20 miles from the border of Queens County (New York City). Although the SCPD had personnel trained to respond to radiation incidents, there was very little capability, training, or equipment for detecting, interdicting, and preventing an attack that used radioactive materials. Among nonspecialized patrol personnel, there was minimal understanding about the effects of radiation. The STC upgraded the SCPD’s capacity to detect and respond to dangerous radiological materials. Among the efforts pursued were blanketing the county with radiation detectors and mandatory comprehensive radiological training in preparation for issuing detection equipment. In the New York City region, the STC has established standardized operational and reporting procedures, alarm settings, documentation requirements, equipment caches, training requirements, intelligence sharing, units of measure, and a coordinated deployment strategy. 3 notes