NCJ Number
199752
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 70 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2003 Pages: 19-22,24-26,28,29
Date Published
March 2003
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes select biological, chemical, and radiological weapons of mass destruction, their origins, symptoms of their use, and methods of delivery; this information is deemed critical for law enforcement executives to learn and teach their frontline officers.
Abstract
In the case of the use of a biological weapon, the victim is unaware of the infection until that period of time after exposure when symptoms develop. This article profiles the following types of biological weapons, including their incubation periods: anthrax, plague, tularemia, and query fever. Viral agents described are smallpox, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, and viral hemorrhagic fevers. Biological toxins described are botulinum toxins, staphylococcal enterotoxin B, ricin, and tricothecene mycotoxin. Chemical weapons of mass destruction profiled are blood agents, lung (choking) agents, blister (vesicant) agents, incapacitating agents, psychochemicals, and nerve agents. The radiological weapons of mass destruction discussed are of two types: nuclear devices (bombs) and improvised radiological weapons. As in biological weapons, the release of radioactive material would not be readily apparent until contaminated individuals develop the symptoms of radiation sickness. Nuclear devices can be delivered by aircraft, missile, torpedo, or mine, or they may be hand-delivered and command-detonated. The possibility of the purchase of warheads or bombs from countries that were formerly part of the Soviet Union must be considered. Radiological weapons would generally be hand-delivered. A powder or solid radioactive material contained in a sealed canister could be placed and command-detonated when the prevailing wind direction would cause the maximum spread and damage. Additionally, a light plane could be used to disburse a radioactive powder over a large area. Regarding the delivery of chemical, biological, and radiological agents, any naturally occurring illness or disease can be mutated and potentially weaponized, and any chemical substance that has an adverse effect on humans can be intensified, purified, and weaponized. It is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies at every level, firefighters, and EMS and hazmat technicians to prevent the release of these materials, minimize and mitigate the consequences when they occur, and bring those responsible to justice. Intelligence gatherers and analysts must be alert to the various possibilities of delivery of such materials and provide information to the appropriate officials in order to put preventive measures into action. 7 references