SANTIAGO, Chile – The INTERPOL Americas bioterrorism prevention workshop opened on Monday with a call for delegates to ensure their governments are aware of, and prepared for, the threat of a biological attack.

The three-day meeting is aimed at educating senior law enforcement officials in areas such as biohazards, laboratory security and bioterrorism identification, with input from international scientific and legal experts.

Participants from 27 countries will also take part in a simulation of a major bioterrorism event to underline the importance of inter-agency co-operation on regional, national and international levels.

Opening the workshop, Director General of the Chilean Police Arturo Herrera Verdugo emphasised the need for countries to develop their vigilance.

'It is clear that terrorism is a complex and diverse phenomenon used by individuals to further their aims in whatever way possible, and we as police must do all that we can in order to better anticipate and respond to this threat,' said Mr Verdugo.

'This is why we are pleased to host the Americas region bioterrorism workshop, which will provide those here with the knowledge and information they require in order to return to their home authorities and work with the necessary agencies to develop a comprehensive response.'

The Chile workshop also sees the launch of the INTERPOL Bioterrorism Incident Preparedness and Response Guide. Compiled by experts from INTERPOL member countries, the guide is a comprehensive, step-by-step manual for law enforcement in preparing for, and dealing with, a bio incident.

'Recent events have shown us that terrorists will use whatever methods available to carry out attacks anywhere in the world,' said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble.

'While the dangers of ‘conventional’ terrorism are something most people are aware of, the difficulties and problems faced by law enforcement in responding to a bio attack are less evident, but have the potential for more far-reaching consequences.

'The need for awareness and training cannot be underestimated, which is why we have developed the INTERPOL Bioterrorism Incident Response Guide, a tool which we can place directly in the hands of the officer on the street.

'This guide, in addition to future workshops and training programmes, is just part of the wide-ranging programme put in place by INTERPOL to ensure that police around the world have access to the information and support they need in order to carry out their duties.'

A Bioterrorism Prevention Resource Centre, which provides training materials, scientific documents, planning and crisis management guidelines, and other vital information has also been created and is accessible via INTERPOL’s website, www.INTERPOL.int.