(A-C)
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) pose a great threat to first responders and requires a unique and extraordinary police response. Often times, officers may not know that they are responding to such an incident when dispatched. Officers should be aware of signs and symptoms of any victims and should be mindful that any emergency could involve a weapon of mass destruction, particularly unknown trouble, explosions or medical emergencies. It is imperative that the responding officer/supervisor solicit as much information as possible from MECC and/or victims and witnesses in order to properly ascertain whether the call may involve WMD materials.
Definitions:
Weapon of Mass Destruction: Any destructive item/device that incorporates explosives, toxic chemicals, biological materials, radiological materials, or nuclear materials, and is designed to inflict mass casualties and destruction of human life and/or property.
Biological Weapons: Items or devices containing disease-causing microorganisms or toxins derived from or produced by living organisms.
Chemical Weapons: Items or devices containing toxic chemicals designed to kill victims by attacking systems of the human body. Chemical agents include:
- Nerve Agents
- Blood Agents
- Choking Agents
- Blister Agents
Explosive/Incendiary Weapons: Items or devices that contain explosive or incendiary material and are designed to inflict injury and property damage.
Radiological Weapons: Items or devices that contain and emit radiation, causing immediate and long-term human tissue damage and health effects.
Nuclear Weapons: Items or devices containing radioactive nuclear material with the ability to cause widespread catastrophic explosive damage and a wide release of radioactive material.
WMD Incident: When a weapon of mass destruction has been used and/or a known chemical, biological, or radiological substance is present.
WMD Threat: Any threat received whether verbal, non-verbal, or written that indicates the potential use of chemical, biological, radiological, explosive/incendiary or nuclear weapons of mass destruction.
Suspicious Package/Device: Any package or device that is reported to be unusual in nature due to any of the following factors: location, size, shape, odor, wrapping, markings, no known origin, etc.
Suspicious Substance: Any substance that is emitted from or contained within a suspicious package. These substances may be liquid, solid or gas.