FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ???? OJP

JANUARY 3, 2002???? ? ??????????????????????????????????????? ??????????????????????????????? ?????????? ?202/307-0703

PUBLICATION ADVISORY

Publication Provides First Responders Information on Biological Agent Detectors

A new guide book released today by the Justice Department?s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) will provide emergency first responders information on the types, functions, availability, limitations and complexities of biological agent detection equipment. The new publication, An Introduction to Biological Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders: NIJ Guide 101-00 (NCJ 190747), is one of a series of guides on emergency first responder equipment.??

The guide provides an overview of a number of different detection system technologies.? It also reviews the four major types of biological agents (bacterial, viral, rickettsiae and biological toxins), some of the challenges in biological agent detection, and components of biological agent detection systems.

NIJ, a component of the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), previously released a Guide for the Selection of Chemical Agent and Toxic Industrial Material Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders and a Guide for the Selection of Chemical and Biological Decontamination Equipment for Emergency First Responders.

For a copy of this publication or other guides, contact NIJ?s Website at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij and click on ?What?s New,? or call the National Criminal Justice Reference Service at 1-800/851-3420.? For additional information regarding OJP bureaus and program offices visit http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/. Media should contact OJP?s Office of Congressional and Public Affairs at 202/307-0703.

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