NCJ Number
200088
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 70 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2003 Pages: 137-138
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
April 2003
Length
2 pages
Annotation
This article reviews resources available for local police departments to use in protecting officers from biological, chemical, and radiation threats.
Abstract
Regarding chemical and biological agents, the most dangerous exposure to police officers will be the inhalation of the deadly agents. The agent enters the body through normal breathing. The next most common way for a toxic agent to enter the body is through absorption through unprotected skin. The eyes are probably the most vulnerable part of the body in this regard. The selection and use of personal protective equipment should include respiratory equipment (air purifying respirators and supplied air respirators), protective garments (coveralls, overgarments, and encapsulated suits), and protective apparel (hoods, boots, and gloves). Radiation dispersal devices, known as dirty bombs, are conventional explosives used to cause destruction, spread injury, and render property unusable. The radioactive material used and the means used to disperse it determine the harm caused. Radioactive materials used in a dirty bomb could come from medical or other industrial sources. According to the "Guide for the Selection of Personal Protective Equipment for Emergency First Responders," personal protection equipment (PPE) should include an ensemble of clothing and equipment items that are easily integrated to provide an appropriate level of protection while still allowing the performance of activities that involve appropriate intervention in dealing with hazardous materials. The National Institute of Justice of the U.S. Justice Department is the executive agent for the Interagency Board for Equipment Standardization and Interoperability (IAB). The IAB has developed a set of priorities for standards for equipment to be used by first responders to critical incidents, including terrorist incidents that relate to chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological, and explosive weapons. Resources, including Web sites, are listed