The Responder Knowledge Base (RKB), funded through the FEMA National Preparedness Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), late last week issued a call for comments to a new National Institute of Justice draft standard for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protective ensemble for law enforcement.
In issuing the call for comments, RKB said: “Attacks or accidents involving chemicals, biological agents, or radiation likely are the most dangerous a public safety officer could ever face. The protective equipment the officer relies upon in such incidents must meet the highest standards. NIJ has organized a Special Technical Committee comprised of subject matter experts, many of whom are members of law enforcement organizations such as the National Tactical Officers Association, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, the National Sheriffs Association, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the National Bomb Squad Commanders Advisory Board, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Other agencies collaborating in this effort include the National Fire Protection Association, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and organizations that test and certify equipment. This committee has generated a new NIJ CBRN Protective Ensemble Standard for Law Enforcement that is now available for review and comment. Also available for comment, is the draft NIJ CBRN Protective Ensemble Certification Program Requirements.”
The period for submission of comments on the draft NIJ CBRN Protective Ensemble Standard for Law Enforcement and the draft NIJ CBRN Protective Ensemble Certification Program Requirements began on August 11, 2008 and will end on September 24, 2008 (a period of 45 days total).
Law enforcement officers can download the report and comment on its findings by clicking here.
