Earlier this month, federal, state, and local law enforcement along with first responder agencies in San Diego participated in simulated radiological and nuclear threat situations associated with small maritime vessels. Deploying protocols and procedures that would occur in a real incident, law enforcement were able to practice detecting and identifying radiological and nuclear material using human portable handheld and backpack detection equipment.
This assessment provided an opportunity for the participants to evaluate the current procedures in place for incident response, and helped to identify areas for improvement and further collaboration between all partners.
The Department is committed to enhancing radiological and nuclear detection capabilities in the maritime domain to ensure our nation’s shores are protected, and the DHS Domestic Nuclear Detection Office continues to support these activities across the country. This assessment was the second of its kind to evaluate the law enforcement response to a maritime direct-to-target threat.
Federal, state, and local agencies participating in the event included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Fire – Rescue Department, San Diego Fire – Rescue Department/ Lifeguard Division, San Diego Harbor Police Department, Imperial Beach Lifeguards, Coronado Lifeguards, Coronado Fire Department, and the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health.
Coordination between partners across the nuclear security enterprise is important, and continued collaboration between the Department and law enforcement partners, such as the San Diego law enforcement community, is vital in protecting our nation from the threat of nuclear terrorism.
