15.5 Radiation Safety at the Crime Scene(s)
177
safe from both radiological and non-radiological concerns. The manner in which
investigatory work should be performed is beyond the scope of this book; here we
will discuss how to conduct the investigation while remaining safe from radiation
and any radioactive contamination that might be present. Please note that the next
chapter contains a more general and comprehensive discussion of radiation safety
work practices; what is discussed here is targeted towards working at crime scenes
that have elevated levels of radiation and/or contamination.
For the sake of discussion we will assume that that the area(s) being investigated
are thought to be associated with a group of suspected terrorists who are thought to
be involved in an RDD plot; whether this plot has recently been interrupted, is in
progress, or was recently successful changes little with the exception that the level
of radioactivity (and the potential risk) will be higher if the main source is present. If
an attack has been interrupted or has already taken place the amount of radioactivity
in storage facilities, apartments, dumpsters, and related locations might be relatively
low unless the workers were sloppy or careless in their work habits.
The agency(s) investigating the potential crime scenes will depend on the
resources available and the policies of the national government and other jurisdictions
involved. In some nations, any such event would be considered an attack against the
entire nation with a national organization having jurisdiction over the crime scene(s)
and assuming the role as the primary investigatory body—in the United States this
would be the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In other nations, the local or
regional law enforcement authorities might take the lead. And, even in the US, it
might be necessary for the FBI to request assistance from local law enforcement
agencies in the early stages of an investigation, before additional resources arrive, or
to help secure multiple crime scenes.
15.5.1 Clearing the Room
Ideally, bomb technicians will have entered the room to clear it of explosives and
potential hazards prior to the arrival of the radiological and hazardous materials team.
However, the bomb technicians should have the ability to monitor radiation dose
rates and their total dose while they are in the room. Ultimately it will be up to each
department to determine whether or not their bomb technicians should be equipped
with radiation detectors, dosimeters, or both so that they can monitor radiation levels
as they work; or if they should be accompanied by a companion qualified to provide
radiological coverage while the room is being cleared of explosives.
15.5.2 Prior to Entry
While approaching each location, radiation detectors should be turned on and monitored and, ideally, each person will have a dosimeter of some sort as discussed in
177
safe from both radiological and non-radiological concerns. The manner in which
investigatory work should be performed is beyond the scope of this book; here we
will discuss how to conduct the investigation while remaining safe from radiation
and any radioactive contamination that might be present. Please note that the next
chapter contains a more general and comprehensive discussion of radiation safety
work practices; what is discussed here is targeted towards working at crime scenes
that have elevated levels of radiation and/or contamination.
For the sake of discussion we will assume that that the area(s) being investigated
are thought to be associated with a group of suspected terrorists who are thought to
be involved in an RDD plot; whether this plot has recently been interrupted, is in
progress, or was recently successful changes little with the exception that the level
of radioactivity (and the potential risk) will be higher if the main source is present. If
an attack has been interrupted or has already taken place the amount of radioactivity
in storage facilities, apartments, dumpsters, and related locations might be relatively
low unless the workers were sloppy or careless in their work habits.
The agency(s) investigating the potential crime scenes will depend on the
resources available and the policies of the national government and other jurisdictions
involved. In some nations, any such event would be considered an attack against the
entire nation with a national organization having jurisdiction over the crime scene(s)
and assuming the role as the primary investigatory body—in the United States this
would be the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In other nations, the local or
regional law enforcement authorities might take the lead. And, even in the US, it
might be necessary for the FBI to request assistance from local law enforcement
agencies in the early stages of an investigation, before additional resources arrive, or
to help secure multiple crime scenes.
15.5.1 Clearing the Room
Ideally, bomb technicians will have entered the room to clear it of explosives and
potential hazards prior to the arrival of the radiological and hazardous materials team.
However, the bomb technicians should have the ability to monitor radiation dose
rates and their total dose while they are in the room. Ultimately it will be up to each
department to determine whether or not their bomb technicians should be equipped
with radiation detectors, dosimeters, or both so that they can monitor radiation levels
as they work; or if they should be accompanied by a companion qualified to provide
radiological coverage while the room is being cleared of explosives.
15.5.2 Prior to Entry
While approaching each location, radiation detectors should be turned on and monitored and, ideally, each person will have a dosimeter of some sort as discussed in