NCJ Number
166506
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 63 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1996) Pages: 70-83
Date Published
1996
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This article describes the techno-terrorist threat of chemical and biological agents.
Abstract
Recent events suggest that terrorists have begun to employ higher levels of destruction and technologically exotic products to achieve their ends. Radical groups espousing both political and ethnoreligious causes are willing and able to employ chemical and biological agents such as nerve gas or infectious toxins capable of causing serious disease or death. These agents can be delivered by a variety of means to result in immediate damage and disruption (an intentional hazardous materials incident) or subtle long-term damage with potentially severe economic consequences (poisoning of food or pharmaceutical products). Preparation for and prevention of chemical and biological terrorism involves close working relationships among police, fire, and emergency medical services, environmental agencies, the medical and public health communities, the intelligence community and the military services. In addition, business and government agencies must strengthen links in information sharing, risk education, resource sharing and joint training. Endnotes