Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Protective Equipment for Law Enforcement

Protecting Law Enforcement in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Incidents

Attacks or accidents involving chemicals, biological agents, or radiation likely are the most dangerous a law enforcement officer could ever face. The protective equipment the officer relies upon in such incidents must meet the highest standards.

Performance Standards for Equipment

Existing performance standards for such equipment serve other first responders well, but a law enforcement officer's mission requires different performance requirements for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) protective equipment.

The law enforcement community asked NIJ to develop a standard specifically for CBRN protective equipment used by law enforcement officers. The standard will focus on protective ensembles, which are designed to provide full-body protection against exposure to CBRN hazards.

When completed, the standard will be published by NIJ and available on this Web site.

Collaborating with Partners

NIJ has been working particularly closely with the National Fire Protection Association and the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense to leverage related efforts where possible in order to expedite release of the new NIJ standard.

In August 2007, NIJ organized a Special Technical Committee comprised of subject matter experts, many of whom are members of the law enforcement community. Other agencies represented include the National Fire Protection Association, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and organizations that test and certify personal protective equipment.

The Committee has identified the specific needs and requirements of law enforcement and shortfalls in existing equipment standards and test methods. The Committee is currently addressing these shortfalls, determining conformity assessment requirements, and generating a new CBRN Ensemble standard.

Contact:

National Institute of Justice
Debra Stoe, Program Manager
202-616-7036
debra.stoe@usdoj.gov

National Institute of Justice
Vanessa Castellanos, Program Support
202-353-3182
vanessa.castellanos@usdoj.gov

National Institute of Justice
Casandra Robinson, Program Support
202-305-2596
casandra.robinson@usdoj.gov

Last updated: April 8, 2008