NCJ Number
192510
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 12 Dated: December 2001 Pages: 99-103
Date Published
December 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses a training program for protection from weapons of mass destruction.
Abstract
Nuclear, chemical, and biological threats have been known for decades, however preparations have been lacking. With the World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001, there has been a realization that more training is necessary to guard against future terrorism threats. The Department of Justice has presented courses for local police officers through various agencies. A weapons of mass destruction (WMD) course developed by Louisiana State University’s Academy of Counter-Terrorist Education is well-organized, presented in lectures and videos, and has valuable handouts. One handout is the 362-page manual entitled Emergency Response to Terrorism: Law Enforcement Response to Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents. It contains source material, reference material, and appendices listing the characteristics of various types of destructive devices and their ease of manufacture and use. After brief introductory sessions defining the nature of terrorism, terrorist organizations and their potential targets, the instructors discuss coordinated responses to WMD incidents, and laying out the roles of Federal, State, and local law enforcement and emergency management organizations. The five categories of WMD agents are discussed. These are biological, nuclear, incendiary, chemical, and explosive. Explosive devices are the weapons used in about 70 percent of terrorist attacks worldwide. Explosives include low and high explosives, ranging from commercial and military explosives to improvised explosives. The first responder should take care to avoid injury in order to do his/her job. Incident stabilization involves securing the scene and evacuating people in danger of exposure. A secondary device is designed to explode or release harmful agents after first responders have arrived, to disrupt rescue efforts. This course is available for law enforcement and other emergency response personnel.