Policing and CBRN Hazards Advancing CBRN Competence in Police Education

Part 1 Historical Overview of CBRNe and HAZMAT Incidents and Impacts

Etymology of abbreviations related to chemical, biological, and radiological agents

Introduction political violence and radicalization leading to terrorism with chemical, biological, and radiological agents

What can be understood under terrorism and where does it come from?

What does terrorism with chemical, biological, and radiological agents imply for policing?

Terror Groups analysed in relation with CBRN agents used maliciously (as a weapon)

Group 01: State terrorism

Group 02: Religious terrorism

Group 03: Marxism-oriented terrorist groups

Group 04: Single issue terrorist groups

Group 05: Lone wolves, acts of terrorism, and crime

Airport, Planes, and Cargo: A risk for law enforcement officers?

Freight — Cargo and Chemical, Biological, and Radiological Agents

Accidents with dangerous goods

Infrastructure risks: Terror threat and terror acts

Wrong response due to lack of training and knowledge

Anthrax suspicion 2016

Another suspicious case happened in 2018

Border-crossing incidents: A reflection

Part 2 CBRNe/ HAZMAT Training Analysis Based on Current Availabilities

Current CBRN/HAZMAT training availabilities

Police Training and Education related to CBRN/HAZMAT incident response

Possible set-up and training implementation

Overview on current CBRN/HAZMAT courses for law enforcement

Teaching subjects that should be taken into consideration

Subjects to be covered in CBRN/HAZMAT response

Capabilities

Chapter 7. Subject Content for CBRN/HAZMAT Police Education

Detailed look into subject content for CBRN/HAZMAT Police education

CBRN/HAZMAT levels of training

Operations level

Technician level

Incident command

Operational

Tactical

Strategic

Investigation

First person on scene template

First look report

Evidence collection command post (ECCP)

CBRN/HAZMAT final report

How to implement a training schedule on CBRN topics

Continued Professional Education (CPD)

Awareness Course (one full day)

Specialised training courses

Biography

Patrick Wengler is a Project Officer in the Assistance and Protection Branch of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Prior to joining the OPCW in 2020, he was a Police Inspector, Programme Assistant in Higher Education, Senior Lecturer at university and subject matter expert teaching for various international organisations. His main responsibilities include working on capacity building and non-proliferation projects, all aspects of emergency management as well as scene assessments of contaminated environments.

He holds a Master of Science in Security Studies from the London Metropolitan University (UK), a Master’s in CBRN first responder and decision making from the University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT), a Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Investigation from the University of Sunderland (UK), a Hazardous Material Technician qualification from the New Jersey State Police (US) and is a qualified CBRN operator by the CBRN School in Rieti (IT).

‘While the author is a serving member of staff at OPCW, The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the OPCW.’

"In our modern, fast-changing world, currently shaken by major geopolitical, religious, and ideological tensions, the likelihood of CBRN incidents to occur is more real and prominent than ever before. In this book, the author gives a scope from his practical point of view on CBRN-related situations, problems or threats a first responder from law enforcement may encounter on the crime scene. Any potential first responder, be it military, police or civilian, needs to have sufficient training to analyse, assess and possibly identify a CBRN-related scenario. I particularly liked the way how the author, himself a former police officer, draws the attention to any law enforcer to consider and deal with the eventuality of CBRN indicators on a crime scene or crime-related situation. A must-read, which I personally recommend to any responder or operator, potentially first on the scene from the security forces, firefighters and military."

Jean-Marie Zimmer, Biologist, CBRN Operator & Advisor

"A comprehensive knowledge of Chemical/Biological/Radiological/Nuclear (CBRN) hazards and of the best practices to prevent an episode and protect against it, and, moreover, to mitigate the consequences connected to the use of these non-conventional agents, requires broad and cross-cutting skills. For this reason, this expertise can only spurt out as the outcome of a careful preparation and strong determination, and, of course, from some odd inclinations and interests.

However, just as in a kitchen, perseverance and commitment can make the difference between a good cooker, which perfectly replicate established recipes, and a big chef, who explores new pathways and discovers original and astonishing courses.　

During my many years of work in research, education and training on CBRN issues, I have rarely met experts as dedicated, sincerely passionate and curious as Patrick Wengler.

This book is the accurate result of a balanced mix of these qualities and, likewise, of a meticulous insight, profound interest for the CBRN subject and scrupulous understanding of a crucial need: the importance of disseminating knowledge of the basic principles on the defence from CBRN threats and consequences of CBRN events specifically devoted to police officers. This is mainly to offer them the tools to manage the emergency and investigate the incident."

Daniele Di Giovanni, PhD, Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Rome "Tor Vergata," Researcher – Member of the Didactic board of the 1^st and 2^ndLevel International Master Courses in "Protection against CBRNe events"