NCJ Number
189699
Date Published
1998
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This document provides an overview of spending levels for and functions of Federal agencies and departments that deal with incidents of weapons of mass destruction.
Abstract
Federal spending on domestic preparedness against incidents of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has climbed despite the lack of consensus on the severity of the threat. From 1997 to 2000, spending swelled from $130 million to $1.4 billion. With more than 40 Federal agencies having some role in combating terrorism, there is some confusion at the local level, especially since no comprehensive national domestic preparedness strategy exists. Five departments have significant programs to assist local agencies in preparing for incidents: The Department of Justice (DOJ), The Department of Defense (DOD), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Health and Human Services(HHS), and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). DOD provides training, expert advice and equipment to local agencies; its Domestic Preparedness Program provides city officials, first responders and medical personnel with response training. On Oct. 1, 2000, the program transferred to the Department of Justice, which will complete the training of other cities. DOD's WMD Civil Support Team rapidly assesses a suspected WMD incident and provides advice to local commanders. DOJ's efforts to enhance local preparedness through grant assistance are done through the Office for State and Local Domestic Preparedness Support. The FBI is designated as the lead Federal agency for crisis management during an incident. DOJ's National Domestic Preparedness Office provides "one-stop shopping" for local agencies on preparedness issues. The Bomb Data Center provides protective and detection equipment. FEMA coordinates domestic response activities during an incident. HHS manages Federal health-related services during an incident. The Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program responds to biological or chemical attacks. Appendix A contains figures on spending levels. Appendix B describes functions and locations of teams in Federal agencies that respond to incidents. Appendix C describes functions and locations of Federal entities that assist with incidents. Appendix D is a list of abbreviations. Footnotes, tables