BIOLOGICAL TERRORISM: THREAT ASSESSMENT AND INVESTIGATIVE RESPONSE
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Authors
Berté, Richard Michael
Issue Date
2001
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The possibility of terrorist attacks using biological weapons against targets in the United States of America have increased significantly over the last ten years. In fact, a number of attempts have already been made with varying degrees of success both in this country and overseas. This state of affairs.is due to a wide range of factors chief of which are the increased savagery of certain terrorist groups and developments in science and technology. The situation presents police and security forces with a number of questions that this paper will answer. First, what group or individual would most likely perpetrate such a criminal act? Second, is it possible for domestic law enforcement agencies to develop and maintain a proactive stance toward this type of terrorist threat? The paper demonstrates how a proactive orientation is both necessary and relatively easy to implement. This view is based on a close reading of the historical literature concerning the evolution of terrorist tactics and techniques. It is also based on a review of the scientific literature covering the pathology of the most deadly biological toxins and the production processes necessary to weaponize them.
However, the core of the paper outlines a set of procedures that can be used to preempt a biological terrorist event. This protocol involves intelligence gathering, the investigation of pre-incident indicators (overseas events, informant tips, production accidents at clandestine facilities) and the apprehension of terrorist offenders. The approach is a coordinated, multi-disciplinary one involving the efforts of medical personnel, law enforcement officers, and forensic scientists and it hinges on the careful and timely evaluation of all relevant intelligence data. The ultimate goal is to stop any group or individual before they can use biological weapons against targets in the United States of America.