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The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and its Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) are at the forefront of maintaining national security, working closely with local police to prevent and respond to threats involving explosive devices.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley sits down with Jeff Dade, section chief of OBP, to discuss the vital partnerships, advanced training programs and innovative technologies that enhance the resilience of America’s critical infrastructure against potential attacks.
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Key takeaways
- Critical partnerships in bomb prevention: Jeff Dade emphasizes the crucial collaboration between CISA and local law enforcement through programs like the Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP), which educates retailers and the public on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities related to bomb-making materials
- Importance of training and resources: Dade highlights the extensive training opportunities offered by CISA, including web-based, virtual instructor-led and in-resident courses, all available at no cost. These programs are designed to enhance the preparedness of law enforcement agencies at all levels.
- Technological advancements and threats: The podcast delves into the dual nature of emerging technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence, which can both pose new threats and offer innovative solutions for law enforcement in detecting and mitigating explosive threats.
- Regional collaboration for enhanced capacity: Dade discusses how pooling resources on a regional basis and utilizing task force arrangements can help overcome staffing shortages and ensure comprehensive coverage and response capabilities for bomb squads and other specialized units.
- Support for major events: For large-scale events, CISA provides a range of support services, including explosive blast modeling, technical assistance, and direct integration with local and federal teams. This ensures that all relevant jurisdictions are well-prepared to handle potential threats, enhancing overall security and resilience.
Additional CISA resources
Listeners are encouraged to leverage the free training and resources provided by CISA to enhance their agencies’ preparedness. For more information and to access these resources, visit the links here:
- Bombing Prevention | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA
- Bomb Threats | CISA
- Bomb-Making Materials Awareness Program (BMAP) | CISA
- Suspicious Activity and Items | CISA
- IED Awareness | CISA
- Protective Measures | CISA
- Planning and Preparedness | CISA
- Operation Flashpoint | CISA
- EBM Fact Sheet | CISA
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