Biological Awarness Training Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2009

The Suffolk County Police Department has worked closely with other first responders in the county to prepare for the variety of threats facing Suffolk. Among the threats that have begun to be addressed is that of a widespread biological outbreak, whether it be caused by a naturally occurring illness or from a bio-terrorism attack. Theses preparations have included drills and exercises. During these exercises, a need for first responder biological awareness training was identified. Much like the general public, first responders might be torn between their desire to fulfill their sworn duty to the county and their concern for their families. The Suffolk County Police Department has had great success educating first responders by utilizing their own trainers who have attended the trainer courses offered by the Department of Homeland Security training consortium. A detailed examination of this course curriculum found a gap. Biological awareness training that could meet Suffolk County’s need was not available. The department approached Louisiana State University, the DHS consortium member who provides training on bio-terrorism, and requested that a new train the trainer course be developed at the awareness level. Suffolk worked closely with LSU, and after two years, this new course attained approval for national roll out and was added to the national course catalog. Suffolk can now utilize this new course to certify their own trainers who will in turn begin to train the first responder community throughout the county.