Forensic Perspective on Bioterrorism and the Proliferation of Bioweapons (From Firepower in the Lab: Automation in the Fight Against Infectious Diseases and Terrorism, P 203-213, 2001, Tony J. Beugelsdijk, Scott P. Layne, et al., eds. -- See NCJ-193061)

• NCJ Number: 193073
• Author(s): Randall S. Murch
• Date Published: 2001
• Length: 11 pages
• Sale Source: Joseph Henry Press
• Publication Format: Book Chapter
• Publication Type: Research Paper
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In this chapter, the role of forensics in attributing acts of bioterrorism or bioproliferation was discussed and the need to establish a national bioforensics network in defense against the illicit possession or use of biological weapons.

Abstract

Many nations have been suspected or known to have biological weapons development programs. Many of these nations are, or have been hostile to the United States. A biological attack is an unobtrusive, unexpected release of an organism or toxin with effects detected days to weeks later. Traditional law enforcement, intelligence, and medical methods are seen as insufficient alone to defend against a biological attack. A national bioforensics network was suggested as an essential part of the United States' defense against the illicit possession or use of biological weapons. In 1995, the FBI laboratory addressed the need for integrating forensics capabilities for weapons of mass destruction (WMD) investigation and resolution and, in 1996 established the Hazardous Materials Response Unit focusing on forensics investigation on both criminal and terrorism events. A national bioforensics network would include advanced diagnostics, high-throughput robotics, and powerful informatics interconnected by a high-speed telecommunications backbone. The system would be supported by extensive evidence management processes along with advanced traditional forensics allowing for full exploitation of any physical evidence associated with bioterrorist acts. References