By Police1.com guest columnist Dave Gaubatz
Twenty years ago, most people would have asked what a dirty bomb is. Most would not have related it to radioactive material. Ten years ago, most people would shrug and say that no individual has the technology to utilize a dirty bomb in America.
Fewer than six years ago, most people would have never thought terrorists would or could bring down the World Trade Center. Americans woke up briefly, but then again fell fast asleep. Today most people do not know the material for utilizing a dirty radioactive bomb is located within a few miles of many American cities. The makings of dirty radioactive bombs are located on many major universities and other locations.
A dirty radioactive bomb being used in America is not only a possibility; it is very likely to happen. Radioactive material would not have to be smuggled in through our ports or borders (although that does occur regularly). The material is in our back yards.
Dirty bombs are an undeniable threat to our security. Now the million-dollar question: What does this mean to law enforcement, our first line of defense? When I refer to first-line defenders I am primarily referring to local, city, and state law enforcement departments/officers. These officers are the ones who are going to stop the next major terrorist event.
When I first returned from Iraq, after being the first civilian Federal Agent deployed at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, I lectured many LE departments. Officers approached me and said, “Dave, we are supposed to be the first line defense to protect America against terrorism, but honestly, we do not know what this means in our day-to-day duties.” They said the funding for non-federal departments is low, and the training they’ve received is largely inadequate.
I told them, “Information equals counter-terrorism.” Information is cheap, but takes initiative and time.
Following are suggestions on how to become a better first line defender of our country:
- Be very, very open-minded. Read, listen, and watch everything you can pertaining to the Middle East, Islam, and world politics. Take in everything from the left and from the right. The truth is somewhere in the middle.
- Study the Arabic language. Even understanding basic words can break the ice and build bridges for you. Breaking the language barrier builds trust.
- Understand the majority of Muslims want what you and I want. They want medicine, security, homes, jobs, and schools for their children. Islamic Extremists make up a small portion of the overall Muslim population. LE officers must begin to interact with the Muslim community. They have the information you need.
What do our first line defenders do if they respond to a dirty bomb incident? To begin with they will most likely not know they are responding to a dirty bomb incident. When first responders arrived at the World Trade Center on Sept. 11th, 2001, they did not know if radioactive materials were present.
The officers did not have tactical vests designed specifically to protect them from radioactive materials. The vests protect their vital organs. They also did not have full body protective suits; again the type designed to protect against radioactive materials. Officers did not have suppression blankets to put on themselves or victims. Officers did not have handheld radiation detection devises.
Do they now? Many officers in Britain, U.S. Federal agencies, and United Nations personnel have anti-radiation protective gear. In Feb 2007, few if any local, city, or state LEOs has radiation protective gear. The gear is a must for them to respond safely.
When an officer arrives on scene to a suspected dirty bomb incident he/she must be prepared and expect a second or third explosion. The mindset of the terrorist is to cause panic and fear. An initial blast achieves this goal. The second goal of the terrorist is to disrupt the rescue attempts being made by first responders. After an initial explosion the terrorist knows many valuable emergency responders will arrive on scene. A subsequent explosion would kill many of them and instill even more fear in the public.
Our first line defenders must understand a third goal of terrorists who resort to using a dirty bomb: The terrorists know that victims will be taken to hospitals. People need to be aware that the hospitals will likely be a target of attack as well.
During my research the terrorists have indicated they would target the hospitals because it would cause extreme panic to Americans. Americans would hear of a dirty bomb being exploded in a city, they would see their defenders (police and firefighters) killed during a second explosion. Lastly they would see the hospitals being attacked. This would instill fear, panic, and helplessness in citizens. This is the ultimate goal of terrorists.
Law enforcement officers must determine high-risk targets in their respective jurisdictions. Most officers I have trained were not aware that nuclear reactors were in their communities. Osama Bin Laden has encouraged his followers to insure targets specified for “hits” include places our children will be at (schools, malls, sporting functions). When he says this, we need to listen.
It is up to local, city, and state law enforcement officers to be the eyes and ears of the citizenry. Hit the streets and obtain information. Our children our counting on you.
Dave Gaubatz served 20 years in the USAF (retiring in 1999). Twelve of his 20 years he was an OSI active duty Special Agent. He is a U.S. State Department trained Arabic linguist. In July 2000, Dave returned to work for the U.S. Government (OSI) as an 1811 civilian Federal Agent. He has specialized in counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence. Dave was the 1st civilian Federal Agent deployed into Iraq at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Since returning from Iraq he has trained over 4000 law enforcement officers in basic investigative Arabic and counter-terrorism (focusing on the mindset of the Islamic Extremists). His training partner is a former Iraqi Police Captain who dealt first hand with terrorism and terrorists. www.davegaubatz.com