FORENSICS In a CBRNE event, evidence can
consist of both ‘conventional’ and ‘unconventional’ evidentiary materials. These would include blood and explosive residue, fi ngerprints on a fl ask of an unknown chemical, Petri dishes, shipping papers, suspect powder, garden sprayers, computers, or any single item or combination. In a bioterror (BT) scenario, for example, recovered evidence may include representative environmental samples of a suspect material, dissemination devices, bodily fl uids, clothing of victims and suspects, documents, scene photographs and witness statements. Both public health and law enforcement will partner to conduct a joint epidemiological and criminal investigation. What is learned from a public health investigation will be useful to public health and law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies. In a BT event, microbial forensics techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique may be used to amplify the identifi cation of biological agents. Specialized evidence recovery
teams utilizing meticulous fi eld sampling and rapid agent detection technologies and FBI WMD Evidence Collection Protocols will be able to tentatively identify a bio-agent in the fi eld. However, this must be confi rmed via a higher capability laboratory – a component of the national Laboratory Response Network (LRN) in the US. Other forensic detection capabilities are found within US domestic preparedness partnerships, such as the FBI Hazardous Materials Response Unit and FBI Evidence Recovery Teams. Department of Defense (DoD) assets include the US Marine and Navy hybrid Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF), National Guard Civil Support Teams (CSTs), Nuclear Emergency Response Team (NEST), several national laboratories, and the DoD laboratories such as USAMRIID. Nuclear forensics would come into
play in the aſt ermath of a nuclear or radiological event – radiochemical analysis, isotope detection, and explosive yield. Generally, our chemical and radiological detection technologies tend to be more reliable than our abilities to quickly (and accurately) identify and characterize biological threat agents, including biotoxins.
88 CBNW 2013/02
Multiple agencies Overall, the response to an event involving CBRNE materials will be complex, and involve a multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional response. The complexities of the response will be handled by the formation of a Unifi ed Command. In the United States and at US interests abroad, the FBI will assume a lead role in incident management in the area of criminal investigation, and in the collection and preservation of scene evidence. Nevertheless, the local jurisdictional
‘fi rst on-scene’ responders will be responsible for the initial actions at a CBRNE event. This will include scene size-up and assessment, establishing perimeters, establishing the Incident Command System, communications, initiation and maintaining operational security (OPSEC), fi refi ghting, victim extrication/rescue, life-saving, scene control, secondary devices sweep, render-safe operations, tactical over- watch, threat neutralization (such as
potential evidence, unless absolutely necessary for rescue and life-saving interventions. If moving evidence is necessary,
they must note and record the position of potential evidence prior to moving it. Personnel can take precautions to preserve evidence by not moving fatalities until cleared by law enforcement and the medical examiner’s offi ce. EMS personnel can be careful to utilize shears to cut around shrapnel entry or bullet holes in clothing, when tending to victims. Coordination between fi re, EMS, law enforcement and other agencies is essential and must be addressed during the preparedness and planning phase. The ultimate goal of a criminal
forensic investigation is to be able to have enough credible evidence to contribute to an optimal prosecutorial
INCIDENT MANAGEMENT
The initial site survey, sampling and monitoring provided by a well-trained, well-rehearsed hybrid CBRN entry team consisting of HAZMAT technician level, CBRN-trained police, and Fire/HAZMAT personnel could yield a wealth of collected and preserved evidence.
The basic priorities of incident management are:
1. Life safety of responders and victims, injury prevention 2. Incident stabilization – recognition and mitigation of scene hazards 3. Protection of property and environment 4. Evidence collection and evidence/scene preservation
active shooter), environmental sampling and monitoring, decontamination operations, sequestration of witnesses, and other operational functions.
Evidence for the prosecution While evidence is a priority, it is not as pressing as those priorities which address life, health, safety and the environment. It is extremely important that all responders possess evidence awareness training, and know jurisdictional guidelines and regulations concerning evidence collection and preservation.
The recognition of potential evidence
should be an integral part of response strategy and tactics for all operational level responders. Responders can become part of the crime scene. They may be witness to, or victim of, terrorist acts. They must be careful not to disturb
outcome. Some contributions to successful prosecution include statements from victims and witnesses, confession by the perpetrator(s), and use of physical evidence. Evidence collection, preservation
and analysis are critical components of incident management in CBRNE events. Data derived from evidence collected and preserved following accepted protocols and meticulous technique will serve to facilitate successful prosecution of perpetrators, identify foreign actors and aid in policy decision-making, as well as enable decisions to be made about possible retaliatory actions against international aggressors. It will also assist in agent identifi cation and characterization to mitigate public health and safety threats against populations. ❚❙
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