NCJ Number
189838
Date Published
January 2001
Length
91 pages
Annotation
The bomb disposal and domestic terrorism response services in this plan will be incorporated into existing plans and procedures to enhance the State of Minnesota’s public safety program.
Abstract
The State of Minnesota is like many of the States when it comes to preparedness and vulnerability to domestic acts of terrorism involving Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD); the preparedness level is not adequate and additional planning is needed. In the last 5 years there has been a new, more dangerous, and escalating level of potential and actual threats that are potentially high impact WMD events. Last year in Minnesota alone, there were 19 major hazardous materials incidents and 78 incidents calling for bomb squad response. Regardless of the level of consequences from a terrorist event, Minnesota must ensure that there are programs in place that will provide the capabilities for local, State, and Federal authorities to respond effectively. Some resource needs in the State include personal protective equipment and detection, decontamination, and communications equipment. New capabilities are also needed to provide collapsed structure rescue in urban environments. Funding will be required to support the enhanced Bomb Squad and Domestic Terrorism Response Services. The full implementation of all recommended enhancements and additions to the State’s terrorism incident response system is likely to take 2 to 5 years. This implementation plan is intended to ensure a basic ability for the three levels of government to reach an effective response system that standardizes training and equipment to provide for integration of activities laterally and vertically in the development of policy and operational guidelines. Recommendations also include National Guard Civil Support Team activation, quarantine authority, and more training/exercise programs.