Interpol Warns of Loopholes In Bioterror Prevention.

KIEV, Ukraine (Interpol) -- Interpol launched the second phase of its bioterrorism prevention programme with a specialised workshop for senior law enforcement officials to raise awareness and understanding.

The three-day meeting, held in Kiev and attended by police representatives from 23 countries, will address a range of issues including biohazards, laboratory security, bioterrorism identification, and the importance of legislation to combat the threat.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ukraine’s Minister of the Interior Yuriy Lutsenko said the threat of bioterrorism needs to be taken seriously.

nyjtimes.com...
www.interpol.int...

If this is true, it means that anyone could launch a bioterror attack in any given country and not be punished for the crime. Interpol has talked about this for years and it seems to me that no country has listened, including the top target among terrorist organizations worldwide, the United States. The governments of the world, including the United States and the United Kingdom, do not mention these loopholes when it comes to protecting the public against the threat from bioterrorism. This is done to keep fear from spreading among the people that they might not be as well protected as stated by governments.

According to the press release on Interpol's website - www.interpol.intl...

1. Developing a thorough understanding of member countries’ legal frameworks in the area of bioterrorism.
2. Identifying legislative and information gaps.
3. Assisting member countries in drafting legislation."

If this happens, it means that any bioterrorism incident will not only be investigated by a countries Federal authorities, Interpol may also come in and assist on the investigation and the detainment of suspects. This should also expose loopholes here in the states when it comes down to cracking down on bioterrorism.

It should also expose the problems that most places, unlike New York City or Tokyo, have when it comes down to handling a bioterror attack at a local ,state, and federal level. Most places here in the states and across the world probably would not be able to handle a Mass Decontamination Incident of good size. Funds for fighting terrorism for cities here in the states have been disappearing ever since the grant programs were enstated back in 2002. This includes Federal funding for fire departments, police, and ems services that have been given to combat bioterrorism.

This came up way before Interpol's conference in the Ukraine exposing the problems in the ways to combat bioterrorism. For example, the last fiscal year, both New York and Washington, D. C. experienced a fourty percent cut in funds to combat terrorism. This also includes fire and police specialty units that are specifically designed to respond to bioterrorism incidents. Another example, cities like Omaha, Nebraska and Louisville, Kentucky have experienced an in anti-terror funding in general. What the Department of Homeland Security basically told the residents of New York City and Washington, D. C. is to, "Drop dead because your cities do not matter to us anymore."

Here's another kicker though, the Fire Department of the City of New York already has a Mass Decontamination Task Force. Their response to a bioterror attack is a tierred response.

10-80 Hazardous Materials Incident
No Code- No Additional Units Requested
Code 1- Requires additional resources not carried by regularly assigned companies.
4 Engines, 2 Trucks, 2 Battalion Chiefs, 1 Deputy Chief, FAST Truck,
Haz-Mat Battalion Chief, Haz-Mat 1, 1 Haz-Mat Technician Unit,
1 Rescue, Haz-Tac Ambulance, Haz-Tac Conditions Chief,
1 BLS Ambulance and Conditions Officer
*Incident does not involve contaminated civilians or First Responders
Code 2- Requires additional resources above Code 1
Additional Resources include: Safety Battalion Chief, Rescue Battalion Chief, 3 Additional Battalion Chiefs,
Field Communications Unit, 1 Additional Haz-Mat Technician Unit,
Decontamination Support Unit, Tactical Support Unit,
Chemical Protective Clothing Support Unit, 1 Additional Haz-Tac Ambulance,
1 Additional ALS Ambulance, 1 Additional BLS Ambulance,
Rehabilitation (RAC) Unit, Public Information Officer, Medical Director
*Incident involves 4 or less contaminated civilians or First Responders
Code 3- Requires additional resources above Code 2
Additional resources include: Command Chief, 1additional Deputy Chief, 3 additional Haz-Tac Ambulances,
1 Decontamination Shower Unit, 1 additional Haz-Mat Technician Unit, 3 additional Chemical Protective Clothing (CPC) Units
1 additional Rehab (RAC) Unit, Mask Service Unit,
EMS Deputy Chief, ALS Ambulances, BLS Ambulances
*Incident involves 5 or more contaminated civilians or First Responders
Code 4- Requires additional resources above Code 3
Additional resources include: The Mass Decontamination Task Force (MDTF).
The MDTF includes: 1 Battalion Chief, 2 Engines, 1 CPC Tower Ladder,
1 Haz-Tac Ambulance, 2 SOC Support Ladders,
For every 250 victims, an additional MDTF will be requested
*Incident is a Mass Decontamination Incident
www.thebravest.com...

[edit on 11/14/2006 by gimmefootball400]

[edit on 11/14/2006 by gimmefootball400]